500 copies of ‘Our Tigers Return’ for Panna kids

We want to raise money to be able to distribute 500 copies of the book, “Our Tigers Return” to participants of the upcoming Panna Nature Camp 2018-19.

In 2009, Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Madhya Pradesh had lost all its tigers. To address this tragic situation a unique Tiger Reintroduction programme was initiated. After years of efforts of the Forest Department, local people and experts, Panna regained its tiger population. The book, “Our Tigers Return”, written both in English and Hindi hopes to ensure that the unique story of Tiger revival in Panna remains alive in the larger Panna landscape.

You can read more about the book at:

http://www.sanctuaryasia.com/conservation/reviews/book-reviews/10143-our-tigers-return.html

We want the Hindi version of the book, “Hamare Baghon Ki Wapsi” to reach as many people in the region as possible, especially kids so that they can understand the importance of their natural heritage and be its future protectors. And which could be the better place to distribute this book other than the Panna Nature Camps (PNC).

When in 2009, it was officially accepted that Panna had no more tigers, there was an atmosphere of mistrust and anger in the local people about PTR. They were saying “Outsiders pay and see the park. It’s not for us. Our children never get to see it." ‘Panna Nature Camp’ was developed in response to address this feeling by the Panna Tiger Reserve and WWF India, with the theme of “Tiger Conservation with People’s Support”. Since 2010-11, camps are organised every Sunday, November to February, they include indoor activities and outdoor trails, about 500 children and adults participate every year. To date, 157 camps have had 3309 students and 1376 adult participants. PNC is a one-of-a-kind outreach programme that encourages local participation, generates awareness, ownership and pride in the Panna Tiger Reserve.

Why are we crowdfunding? 

We want to distribute 500 copies of the book to the Panna Nature Camp participants for the year 2018-19. Through this we want to,

• Inculcate a sense of belongingness in the local people
• Let people know the amazing revival story of PTR
• Create a base of supporters for PTR

Why should you support this?

• This would definitely help in taking the unique revival story of Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR) deep into people's homes in the region.
• A contribution as small as INR 100 will help the book reach one local kid.(We have made this book available at INR 100, which is otherwise priced INR 200)
• Your contribution will go a long way in generating a sense of belongingness and pride amongst Panna Nature Camp participants

How will we use the funds?

We look forward to generate a fund of INR 55,000 on this platform. Out of this, INR 50,000 would go towards the 500 books. Remaining INR 5000 would be required for postage and other logistics. Any additional costs we will bear on our own. 

I am Parikshit Suryavanshi, I assisted in the translation of this book from English into Hindi. I am a published translator and writer, with interest and work in nature conservation. My works have been published in national and regional newspapers and magazines. You can read some of my writings and translations at https://parikshitsuryavanshi.blogspot.com/

Peeyush Sekhsaria is the co-author of the book. An amateur naturalist with a special interest and work in nature education. Panna Tiger Reserve has a special place in his heart, he has cordial relationships with the forest staff, NGOs active in the region and many Panna locals.  

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