Choudhury Gourahari Mishra

The Clean Himalaya Society

Reverend Swami Amritarupananda Saraswati of the Divine Life Society (also Secretary of the Clean Himalaya) has forwarded the questionnaire to me because of my background as a former Head of the Zoo, a former Chief Wildlife Warden as well as a former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests of a state in India. I have also been a Life Member of the Divine Life Society and an Executive Member of the Clean Himalayas. I am happy to learn that you were also involved in Zoo management. The following is my response to your queries:

Today’s Date: 26 January 2008

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Having spent my entire career spread over the last 48 years on the lap of Mother Nature and in caring for it and its animals, birds as well as the forest-dwellers it has taught me many lessons. The close relationship of ourselves with Nature is such that everything we perceive, inert as well as alive, both animate and inanimate, will be found to have a place and a purpose, apart from their own place and purpose, in our evolution.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

In my childhood, the sea beach was a great attraction to play and the sun rise on the sea was a great sight to enjoy.

Now? Now, the Himalayas --- its sylvan solitude and the magnificent natural setting along with the majestic mother Ganga (a highly revered river) which meanders its course through it.

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is and why?

As a Zoo Head, I clearly admit that I loved all my animals and birds etc. Again, as a professional Wildlifer and Forester, I have learnt many valuable tips and lessons from them. It would need volumes to describe that.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

To manage the Climate Change is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now. The greatest challenge of the future seems to be making available an alternative and cost-effective source of energy in place of fossil fuel.

5. If you could give one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Our survival is indeed intricately inter-woven with Nature. We are not masters but only mere Trustees for future.