'I love the abundance': Richard Kerridge on India's Ecological Legacy
British nature writer Richard Kerridge praises India's rich biodiversity and the growing power of Indian nature writing at the Corbett Literature Festival.
British nature writer and ecocritic Richard Kerridge has expressed profound admiration for India's rich biodiversity and its deep-rooted literary traditions that celebrate the natural world. Speaking at the Corbett Literature Festival, Kerridge highlighted how India's connection to its environment is woven into the very fabric of its culture, from ancient Sanskrit texts to modern ecological literature.
A Tradition of Nature in Indian Literature
Kerridge noted that India's literary history is steeped in the depiction of the natural world. He pointed to the works of ancient poets like Kalidasa and Bhavabhuti, whose writings offer vivid imagery of forests, rivers, seasons, and wildlife. This historical connection provides a unique foundation for contemporary Indian authors who are tackling modern environmental crises.
He specifically praised recent works that bridge the gap between personal narrative and global ecological concerns, including:
- Prerna Singh Bindra’s ‘The Vanishing: India’s Wildlife Crisis’ – which Kerridge compared to Rachel Carson's seminal work, ‘Silent Spring’.
- Yuvan Aves’ ‘Intertidal: A Coast and Marsh Diary’ – a detailed exploration of the tidal landscapes and small creatures near Chennai.
The Richness of India vs. the UK
Reflecting on his own experiences, Kerridge shared his deep fascination with the sheer abundance of life found in the Indian landscape. He expressed a particular interest in the country's diverse fauna, ranging from the majestic tigers and elephants to the sambar, wild boar, and hornbills. He also noted a specific interest in reptiles, including the king cobra.
"I love the landscape. I love the abundance," Kerridge remarked, drawing a sharp contrast between the vibrant wildlife of India and the depleted habitats he observes in the United Kingdom. "That real richness is so precious compared to the UK where nature is depleted. So I love coming here, you know, as many times as I can."
The Evolving Role of Nature Writing
According to the BBC Wildlife Award winner, modern nature writing must evolve beyond mere descriptions of landscapes. He argued that it must integrate personal experience with scientific data and broader ecological challenges. He suggested that effective nature writing should weave together:
- Personal stories of joy, fear, and grief regarding the natural world.
- Scientific information and natural history.
- Climate science and ecology.
- Cultural history and political questions regarding ecosystem protection.
Kerridge warned that while books and documentaries often portray abundance, they must also address the reality of ecological decline occurring globally. He observed that while a "change of consciousness" is happening, the shift in human behavior is following more slowly.
Ecotourism and Conservation
Addressing the intersection of tourism and wildlife, Kerridge emphasized the importance of respectful ecotourism. He stressed that visitors should avoid actions that agitate or stress animals and must strictly adhere to the rules of protected areas.
However, he noted a positive trend in the industry, suggesting that a beneficial alliance is forming between ecotourism, the economic revenue it generates, the support it provides to local communities, and the overarching goal of conservation efforts.