‘Wild Jewels of Mhadei’, a colouring book for children by Nirmal Kulkarni centred around the biodiversity of the Mhadei region has just been released
RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT
‘Wild Jewels of Mhadei’ aims to create interest and raise awareness among children about the ecological wealth found in our backyard.
The colouring book for children, which has been put together by herpetologist, wildlife photographer and artist Nirmal U. Kulkarni looks at the biodiversity of the Mhadei region.
The idea and concept of the book was born in January 2023. “My own work of compilation and notes, selecting species and brainstorming with colleagues took a few months. We also proofread it for science and child-friendly content. A close friend and naturalist Nitesh Parulekar, who is also an illustrator gave valuable suggestions and did the line drawing illustrations while the team at Printer’s Devils did the artwork and final layouts,» says Kulkarni. The printing was done by Impressions in Belgaum and they chose to release the book during Wildlife Week (October 2 to 8).
“The book aims to showcase the unique colours, forms, and shapes that wildlife is found in, from small frogs to the tiger, to create interest and curiosity among children about the amazing biodiversity of the Mhadei region,” says Kulkarni, adding that he has walked the Mhadei region and her forests for the past two decades, as a student first and now as an explorer and researcher. “The Mhadei region is like a second home to me. The biodiversity here is unique as well as important for the states of Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra.”
The book is primarily targeted at children aged five to 14. “Children in this age group are observant and keen to colour as well as learn hence we chose this age group,” explains Kulkarni.
‘Wild Jewels of Mhadei’ contains a set of 30 line drawings and their reference photographs of different wildlife found in and around the Mhadei Bio region. This includes the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary of Goa, the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary of Karnataka and the forests of Dodamarg in Maharashtra. It features images contributed by 11 wildlife photographers (Parag Rangnekar, Dhananjay Jadhav, Omkar Dharwadkar, Nitesh Parulekar, Praveen Siddannavar, Raman Kulkarni, Nirmal U. Kulkarni, Niranjan Sant, Rahul Alvares, K.P. Dinesh and Vidyadhar Atkore). Additionally, the illustrations (except the Indian bullfrog on Page 6 and the Malabar Gliding frog on Page 7is done by Fabian Gonsalves) are done by fine artist, photographer and naturalist Nitesh Parulekar who has extensive experience of birding and photography in the Western Ghats of Goa and the Konkan region. He also won the Filmfare Award for the documentary ‘Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary’ and has contributed illustrations and artworks for several nature books and participated in exhibitions.
Kulkarni further states that the images in the book were selected because these are the species that need attention and some of them are unique to the Mhadei Bio region. A short description of every species with the common name and the scientific name are mentioned.
The book is supported by the Mhadei Research Centre, a research base situated in the Chorla Ghats, which documents and studies the biodiversity of the Mhadei Bio region. It is also supported by Herpactive, an initiative started by Kulkarni 15 years ago.
“Children are the future. They will conserve the Mhadei Bio region. This is why we are taking the books to children,” says Kulkarni. “Besides this, we are also meeting stalwarts who are working for the Mhadei Bio region and presenting the book to them.”
Featured Events
The Goa Hiking Association is organising a State-Level Trekking and Adventure Camp from December 26 to 30 at Tamdi Surla, Dharbandora. Activities will include trekking in the Western Ghats, rock climbing, river crossing, and more. Details: 8600572050 / 9822984848 / Pramodkamat107@gmail.com. Registration deadline: December 15. (Image used for representational purposes only)
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Among the eight exceptional music artists handpicked for the B-side Music Production Residency programme, ‘Discokid’, a Goa-based musician will be performing at the Serendipity Arts Festival 2023. The 11-day workshop concluded in Olaulim recently and was organised by the Serendipity Arts Foundation. The eight artists namely Dzerouengmit Lepcha, Fatima Hakeen (Discokid), Lenix Lobo, Hasan Shahrukh, Govi, Ashel Unger, Rushaki Ghosh and Medhaj Dempo, delved deep into the intricacies of music production using Ableton Live, a digital audio workstation during the residency, which formally culminated on October 20. The residency was mentored by industry experts, including Jay Pei, Megha Balani, SHFT and Puneesh Suri. Fatima Hakeen aka ‘Discokid’ is a musician and producer based out of Goa and has been featured in well-known online music shows like Mixmag Goa and Worldwide FM. Over the eleven-day intensive program, the participants explored a myriad of techniques, from working with audio clips and MIDI basics to advanced production methods, honing their skills and collectively broadening their creative horizons. “Each participant brings a unique flavour to the table: from Dzerouengmit Lepcha’s soulful melodies to Discokid’s groovy beats, Lenix Lobo’s experimental sounds and Govi’s fusion of Carnatic vocals with indie and alternative genres. Hasan Shahrukh, with his expertise in […]
Glow of Epiphyllum – Brahma Kamal flowers of Goa
Recently, I came across a news story about a record-breaking bloom of 28 Brahma Kamal flowers in Goa. The spectacular sight of its prolific blossoms in the video took me on a trip down memory lane. We, too, had this beautiful plant in our garden, lovingly tended by my grandmother. Commonly referred to as ‘Bramhakamal’ in Goa and likely across the country, this plant is scientifically known as Epiphyllum Oxypetalum. Belonging to the Cactaceae family, it is an exotic plant native to the rainforests of Central and South America. Interestingly, it has no botanical connection to the true Bramhakamal species, scientifically named Saussurea obvallata, which is found and revered in Uttarakhand and the Himalayan regions. The slight resemblance between Epiphyllum Oxypetalum and the original Bramhakamal may explain the confusion between the two. Also known as the Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus or Queen of the Night, this flower truly lives up to its regal title. In our garden, this plant held a special place in my heart. Its slightly puffed, elongated leaves distinguished it from the other greenery. The celestial blooms appeared rarely, usually between July and September. One of the most unique aspects of this flower is how it unfurls its […]
Festa do Povo: Festival to Showcase Goan Heritage, Food, & Culture
The well-known community festival, Festa do Povo, returns to Panaji again, to promote Goan culture and heritage. The festival is coordinated through community involvement, with assistance from the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) and Imagine Panaji, along the pedestrian walkway lined with mangroves at Patto Plaza near the Spaces building. Residents from various wards in the city, who reside in heritage homes and blocks, participate in the festival’s planning. What food can you expect here? It ranges from Goan-Portuguese to Hindu Saraswat to Muslim dishes, cooked by local home chefs, Panaji restaurants, and even international chefs. The food section of the festival showcases Goa’s rich culinary diversity across various religious communities. Additionally, a special Feni bar and beverage station featuring local drinks will enhance the festive atmosphere. Day one (December 14) will feature traditional Shigmo dances and children’s craft activities curated by Bookworm, a -book store for children. Participants can enjoy a variety of performances, including the Kaustubha Ballet, the beloved Stuti Choir, the traditional dekhni dance, and enchanting melodies by the Sound of Music. On the second day, December 15, there will be brass band performances, percussion displays, and carol singing by students from Nirmala School. This […]
