‘Saving tigers is not rocket science. We just need to know what we can do. And depending on how we do our bit, we may have tigers around for the next 100 or even 5000 years,” was acclaimed wildlife film-maker and conservationist Shekar Dattatri’s clarion call to the group of nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, present at the Tiruchi Science and Adventure Club’s slide show presentation of their tenth and eleventh annual Himalayan trek.
Mr. Dattatri urged young people to act as ambassadors for the tiger before the screening of his movie ‘Truth about tigers’. Calling it as the first educational movie about tigers, Mr. Dattari said the film’s objective was to ‘leave the audience with hope’. The movie apart from tracing the life cycle of a tiger and highlighting the problems encountered by the dwindling tiger population in India, offered pointers for conservationists on saving the majestic creature from extinction.
India, which is home to the world’s largest tiger population, has obligation to save the tiger not only because it is the national animal, but also because it ranks among the world’s most popular animals, Mr.Dattari said. The 40 minute documentary with compilation of footage from celebrated wildlife cinematographers was followed by an interaction with the filmmaker who received a standing ovation. He distributed certificates to participants of the trek who were heartily cheered by the club members.
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A slide show of the tenth and eleventh Himalayan trek to Ruinsara Thal and Har-ki-doon traced the journey from Haridwar to the mighty mountains. The moraine strewn glaciers, hill temples, waterfalls, exotic flowers, magnificent sunsets and life of nomads, who call the hills their home, was captured through expert photography that helped club members relive their experience. Incidentally, the Science and Adventure Club is the only club in Tamil Nadu affiliated to the Indian Mountaineering Federation.