As I step into a new phase of life and bid farewell to my journey, bringing to a close over three decades of dedicated government service, on my superannuation on 31st March (actually today, the 30th March, last working day in office, 31st being a holiday in Jammu), as Joint Director, Jammu & Kashmir Forest Research Institute, I earnestly thank and express my deep gratitude to all my friends, colleagues, family members, communities and mentors for their unwavering support, companionship, encouragement and for walking alongside me in this journey.
From my early days growing up in Rajouri in Jammu & Kashmir, wandering through woods and listening to glacial rivers, cascades and bird songs, and inspired by Salim Ali and stories of Jim Corbett, I knew my path lay in nature and wildlife conservation.
This passion led me to earn my master’s in wildlife science from Aligarh Muslim University, joining the J&K government’s Wildlife gazetted cadre (Wildlife Protection Department on selection by J&K Forest Department through J&K Public Service Commission in 1996), and to a lifetime of protection of our wildlife, habitat and biodiversity while performing my role in Ladakh, Kashmir and Jammu regions through various wings of J&K Forest Department, including Department of Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing, Department of Soil & Water Conservation, and J&K State Forest Research Institute, while honing my skills through various trainings, including endangered species management from internationally reputed and renowned Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Jersey-UK; wetlands management from Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands; and managing risks in the face of climate change from Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, Bangkok, etc., all through earning various fellowships.
This journey has been more than a deeply fulfilling career. It has been a lifelong commitment and dedication to forests, wildlife and nature conservation, and an honour to serve and contribute to a noble cause. Serving in the field of forestry and conservation has been both a responsibility and a privilege. The journey has reinforced that protecting nature and environment is not just a duty but a legacy we leave behind.
I have been privileged and thankful to many, including the national and international community of conservationists, J&K Government, MOEF&CC, my colleagues, seniors, frontline staff and many environment and wildlife activists, to support, guide and offer me opportunities to work for the conservation of some of the most prominent and flagship species, including the endangered snow leopard, black-necked crane and Tibetan antelope (chiru) in the high-altitude cold desert of Ladakh; the critically endangered Kashmir stag or Hangul (Kashmir red deer); and retrieving and restoring around 2000 kanals (200 hectares approx.) of prime habitat of Hangul from about 50-year-old possession of a sheep breeding farm in Dachigam National Park in the Kashmir Himalayas.
Though I retire from government service, I do not retire from my passion. The path of conservation and protection of our environment and natural heritage continues. My passion for nature and wildlife conservation remains as strong as ever, and I look forward to continuing this journey in new ways.
While I tried to do my level best, given the working-environment conditions, occasional resistance and constraints at different levels, with the strong belief and conviction that forests, wildlife, environment and our natural heritage are not just resources; they are a legacy we must protect and pass on, I feel driven by an insatiable and innate desire to contribute further and do more in whatever capacity I can.
While I acknowledge the appreciation and recognition given to my humble efforts by many during this journey, including the J&K Government, environmental NGOs, organisations, institutions, friends and colleagues, I am especially thankful to Sanctuary Asia and Sanctuary Nature Foundation for helping and supporting the Wildlife Protection Department by launching a campaign for shifting the sheep breeding farm from Dachigam National Park and honouring me with the prestigious Sanctuary Wildlife Service Award.
I carry with me countless memories, friendships and a deep sense of fulfilment. With the belief that retiring from government service is not an end but just a new beginning, I look forward to continuing my engagement in wildlife, nature and environment protection, serving society and staying connected with friends, colleagues, nature lovers and my loved ones for contributing in new ways. I also apologise for intentionally or unintentionally harming or offending anyone during this journey.
Thanks once again, with love and warm regards.
The writer is a wildlife conservationist and retired as Joint Director of J&K Forest Research Institute, Govt of J&K
