My Native Land (essays on nature) - M. Krishnan - Book Review

 

                    I have been reading all kinds of fiction except the romance genre. But when it comes to non-fiction, I am selective about the books I want to read. I have always read history, Environment, and Nature. That too Indian History and Ornithology in particular. M. Krishnan is one writer whom I have always enjoyed reading. It has been quite a while since I have read a book related to nature in particular. I purchased this book two years back; but sat down to read this one, just a week back.

                    This book is a concise collection of the columns he used to write for the newspaper "The Statesman" back in his time. The essays cover topics under mammals, birds, reptiles, flora, and issues. The essays cover topics mentioned mostly based on his experience traveling throughout the country. As a keen observer and armed with his expertise as a naturalist, he provides concise recordings and encounters with nature in the 250-odd pages.

                    This is my second read of Mr. M. Krishnan. The writings were based on his experiences and these were interestingly bought out. The writing is simple and there is a section that showcases some of his wildlife photographs as well. His descriptions of the terrain, the animals, and the whole forest are vivid enough to bring it before our very eyes. We cannot help but notice the wit that he infuses into some of these writings. You could realize the passion that he had and this book does infuse the same to the right audience. Mr Krishnan's expertise as a naturalist becomes evident with his profound ground-level knowledge and the way he describes the life forms that he encountered. He also attempts to question some of the common misbeliefs regarding some of the animals. Since these writings are based on personal experiences, we can connect to the content easily. But having said that there are places where we can sense a feel of lag. I did wish that the editors had included an appendix of the flora and fauna mentioned in the book. I usually go back and check on each and every one of the flora and fauna mentioned in such books and do revisit them and I love reading more about the same. An appendix would have helped me to easily access the names instead of brushing through the book again. I like how he subtly talks about the problems that the environment is facing. The essays provided in the book were written around the 75s to 85s. The issues mentioned back then still exist presently and it is disappointing to see that there is no respite even now.

                    To sum it up, a good read for nature enthusiasts. This will feel more like a field trip journalling and that helps us build a rapport with the book. This will end up as a delightful read on India's natural beauty. As I had mentioned earlier, M. Krishnan had written these essays and many more for 'The Statesman' (46 years without a break). Interestingly, he was awarded Padma Shri by the Government of India in the year 1960 for his works on nature and his photography.