Tribute to the forests: International Day of Forests, 2021

The knowledge and conscience which we have gained today comes from nature, and primitive forests. Forests are the source of many mysteries and have played an significant role towards the evolution of mankind. If we look back into the evolutionary history of mankind, we will find that every aspect of adaptation and evolution of theContinue reading “Tribute to the forests: International Day of Forests, 2021”

Nature’s bulwark: Bhimal tree (Grewia optiva) securing a temple, Mussoorie!!!

It was one sunny morning, while I was travelling to Dehradun via Mussoorie – Dehradun road and I was lost in the scenic beauty of the mountains. Every turn, every bend around the mountain road has its own surprise. Suddenly, just after crossing Kolhukhet checkpost my eyes fell on a small temple on the hillContinue reading “Nature’s bulwark: Bhimal tree (Grewia optiva) securing a temple, Mussoorie!!!”

Bamboo flowering in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand: Nature’s alarm!!!

With the onset of spring season, the flowering season in Mussoorie has begun. But today, I was startled by the sight of Bamboo flowering along the hilly roadside of key roadway connecting Mussoorie and Dehradun (Mussoorie to Dehradun road). I was happy to see flowers of bamboo, as its a rare phenomenon but at theContinue reading “Bamboo flowering in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand: Nature’s alarm!!!”

Land where Hoolock Gibbon sings: Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, Assam

It was summer of 2015 in Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, Assam. I was a doctoral student at that time and was working towards the conservation of a medicinal forest tree species in the rain forests of Assam. For some study purpose we were traversing through dense forest trails and I was accompanied by my colleague andContinue reading “Land where Hoolock Gibbon sings: Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, Assam”

A plateau losing green forest cover: Karbi Anglong district, Assam

In the remote North-eastern corner of the Indian subcontinent lies the beautiful district of Karbi Anglong. The plateau is dominantly inhabited by the Karbi tribes hence the name Karbi Anglong. The Karbis are the indigenous inhabitants of the region and ‘Anglong’ is a Karbi noun for “hills.” The region is flanked by numerous rivers and tributaries like Dhansiri, Longnit,Continue reading “A plateau losing green forest cover: Karbi Anglong district, Assam”

Oak tree beside my window!!

I got married few years back and shifted to Landour, Mussoorie. The apartment where me and my husband used to live had a big Oak tree just outside the window. Everyday, sunshine used to peep through my window through the Oak tree. Different Himalayan birds, owls, langoors, monkeys, insects, fireflies, butterflies could be observed justContinue reading “Oak tree beside my window!!”

Geology and religious faith: Tapkeshwar temple in Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple is a famous temple of Lord Shiva lying alongside river Tons, in the valley of Dehradun. The mythological importance of this place draws back to the ancient period of Mahabharata, when Guru Dronacharya who was the royal teacher of Pandavas and Kauravas was believed to reside in the caves. Hence, the cavesContinue reading “Geology and religious faith: Tapkeshwar temple in Dehradun, Uttarakhand”

Oroxylum indicum: A medicinal forest tree species for the symptom management of Covid 19

Humanity is coping with the aftermath of  Corona virus pandemic. The outbreak of virus resulted in devastation and is still causing millions of fatalities everyday. The first outbreak of this pandemic with severe pneumonia was reported in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, on December, 2019. World Health Organization (WHO) designated Severe acute respiratoryContinue reading “Oroxylum indicum: A medicinal forest tree species for the symptom management of Covid 19”

Kempty falls, Mussoorie: A geological prodigy

Kempty falls Mussoorie is a geological complex lying about 10 kilometres from Mussoorie, Uttarakhand towards Yamuna river. The fusion of various geological, ecological, climatic and geographical factors together contribute towards the portrayal of this geologic marvel.The name Kempty was actually derived from assemblage of two words ‘Camp and Tea’. Once used to be a preferredContinue reading “Kempty falls, Mussoorie: A geological prodigy”

Foraging in the wild: celebrating Green Diwali!!!!

It’s been around two years that I am staying in Landour, Mussoorie. Every year we celebrate Diwali with enthusiasm and zeal. But, this year we celebrated our Diwali in the wilderness, foraging in the wild to collect 14 shaak/saag (leafy greens/foliage) to commemorate a traditional Bengali ritual. Diwali or festival of lights is one ofContinue reading “Foraging in the wild: celebrating Green Diwali!!!!”