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Balpandi....A Silent Sentinel

9/15/2021

45 Comments

 
Picture
Whenever I set my eyes on a pelican I am reminded of Balpandi.
Ahalya and I met him first in the 90s at Koonthankulam, a nondescript village near Tirunelveli.

A huge lake in the village attracts a host of winged visitors, especially during the migratory season.

We lost ourselves watching the amazing avian diversity of the place and failed to notice a slender, sprightly man besides us. He introduced himself as Balpandi, forest guard of the place.
Over the next few hours he kept us company and narrated the story of himself and the place.

Balpandi was working in a factory in north India and during one of his visits to his hometown, noticed the abundant bird life of the lake and the region. He was fascinated and noticing his interest, a visitor gifted him a binocular and Salim Ali’s book on Birds of India.

It was a turning point in his life. He decided to stay in the village and devote himself to making people aware of the importance of protecting the water body and the bird life. This involved not only measures to curb poaching, but also increasing awareness about important role of birds in the community. He composed songs on this theme and being endowed with a good voice, started singing them in village meetings. He also initiated educational activities in the schools and engaged the youth in conservation efforts.

He took us to his small forest guard room, introduced his wife Vallithai and proudly showed us all the awards and recognitions he has received over the years. When we noticed a few injured pelicans around, Vallithai quietly told us as to how she sold the only piece of gold she had, her mangalasutra to feed them.  Women in South India value and cherish the mangalasutra which they call as thaali and would hesitate to part with it. We were deeply moved and touched at her magnanimous, noble gesture.

Nadaswaram music was wafting from a temple nearby. Bal Pandian told us that preparations were underway for the Thaipusam festival there and that year he was going to pierce his cheeks with the alagu (a miniature spear). We thought that it was to fulfill a personal vow and were surprised when he told us that he was doing it to pray to the Lord for bountiful rains so that more flocks of migratory birds would come there the next year!

As we were leaving, I asked him as to where can we stay and without hesitation he pointed out to his one room tenement and said, “Dr you can stay inside, this is your home…and I will sleep outside.”  I can never forget his kind gesture, personal warmth and genuine hospitality, that too to a stranger.

The few hours we spent in the company of Balpandi and Vallithai is one of the most ennobling moments in our lives. Both of them have invested their whole life for the preservation of birds. Vallithai passed away a few years ago but his commitment for conservation not just to the birds but the entire habitat continues unabated.  Though he has received recognition for his efforts, he richly deserves to be awarded with honorary doctorates by the higher academia  for his unparalleled conservatory efforts over the last four decades.

During our last visit I noticed that he had an old binocular which had seen better days and on our return sent him a good one to pursue his passion. He called me a week later to tell me with a childlike exuberance as to how he sees the birds with such clarity now.

He lives in dire economic circumstances but never draws attention to it. Periodically he calls me to inform me about his latest sightings. I know that there is an unexpressed need beyond it and would quietly transfer an amount to his account.

Jim Corbett mentions in his masterpiece, Jungle Lore, that knowledge of the wild cannot be learned; it can only be absorbed. Balpandi is a stellar example of this. He is one with nature, in close communion with birds, feeling their presence in their songs and continues to have a very special place in our hearts…

Do pen your thoughts here!



Picture
45 Comments
Karthikeyan S
9/15/2021 09:19:38 pm

Paalpandi is indeed a great man

Reply
Dr Raguram
9/15/2021 09:59:29 pm

True...a selfless one at that!

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Sonia Deuri
9/15/2021 09:55:45 pm

Narration beautiful indeed. Nice read.
Touching life and so passionate; yes few are blessed with it.
May the tribe increase to protect nature.

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Dr Raguram
9/15/2021 10:00:13 pm

Thanks Sonia...people like him are the silent saviours of our environment!

Reply
Arun Kishore
9/15/2021 10:29:28 pm

Thanks for bringing Balpandi's unique efforts to our attention. I hope he inspires others in his area to continue the conservation. There is a missionary passion in him.

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Dr Raguram
9/15/2021 10:57:44 pm

True Arun. What is remarkable is his ability to sustain his passion amidst major challenges personally and professionally. He never gets paid in time and his salary too is quite measly

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Seema Pai
9/15/2021 11:07:20 pm

Thank you for sharing this amazing story of dedication and commitment. Very inspiring!

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Dr Raguram
9/16/2021 12:42:08 am

Balpandi is truly an inspiring figure Seema!

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bhavani hamann
9/15/2021 11:20:44 pm

Thanks so much for sharing Balpandi with us! His and his wife’s generosity are straight from the heart. My mom would say that to care for those who have no one to care for them or for those who have no voice is the ultimate service to God. You help to him is no less. I remember another kind person you befriended in one of your posts! Your kindness attracts other kindred spirits! Thank you Dr. Raghuram for all you do, for your amazing photos and stories!

Reply
Dr Raguram
9/16/2021 12:43:05 am

Thanks Bhavani. In all our travels in rural india we have been blessed meeting with persons like Balpandi. They are the soul of India

Reply
Hari
9/15/2021 11:23:34 pm

Beautifully told story of a very special person!

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Dr Raguram
9/16/2021 12:43:17 am

Thanks Hari

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Dr Pakha Tesia
9/15/2021 11:26:27 pm

Lovely piece of history and equally a great soul at work. Many such individuals are working silently and we need to appreciate their efforts and dedication. Keep exploring and enrich us through your lens and pen.🙏

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Dr Raguram
9/16/2021 12:44:13 am

Absolutely true Pakha and there so many of them who work silently for a cause they feel so committed about, without drawing attention to themselves

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Lalitha
9/15/2021 11:52:44 pm

Thanks for introducing a person like balpandi and his wife through ur blog keep enriching us with ur writing. Enjoyed ur writeup 👌

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Dr Raguram
9/16/2021 12:44:28 am

Thanks Lalitha!

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Prasen link
9/16/2021 12:32:57 am

I really like the title 'A silent sentinel'. The stories of forest guards like Balpandi usually get lost in time, but their contribution towards saving our natural heritage is enormous. Thank you for writing this and introducing me to Balpandi. Regards

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Dr Raguram
9/16/2021 12:45:45 am

Thanks Prasen. People like Balpandi who work selflessly for conservation and protection of our vulnerable habitats are the true treasures of our land

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Nalini. N. R.
9/16/2021 03:05:42 am

A drastic turn to the life of Balpandian with one generous gesture by a visitor! He was meant to be a conservationist and not work with machines. Material wealth and fame don't matter for those who are truly committed to their passion. And no less credit goes to you Sir, who could recognise, appreciate and reward him for his unheralded efforts. Our words of appreciation rings hollow!!

Reply
Dr Raguram
9/16/2021 05:52:38 am

Balpandi is so generous in sharing his knowledge that every occasion I meet him it is such a learning experience

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Senthil
9/16/2021 04:05:51 am

Fascinating story Sir! It is very rare to come across such genuine selfless people like Balpandi….
Endharo mahanubhavulu, andharikki vandhanamulu!!!

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Dr Raguram
9/16/2021 06:01:15 am

Thanks Senthil. We cherish meeting such gifted souls

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Ravi M
9/16/2021 05:08:27 am

Please do tell me his location and contact I would love to visit some time in the near future and spend a day or two with Balpandian

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Dr Raguram
9/16/2021 06:01:31 am

Sure

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Sudipta Roy link
9/16/2021 05:52:36 am

So many such valiant Baalpandis in our bio diverse country . We the literate, have much to learn from them!!

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Dr Raguram
9/16/2021 06:03:14 am

So true Sudipta. What is inspiring their committment inspite of their adverse circumstances

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Jugal Tiwari link
9/16/2021 06:23:48 am

Your real life exploration in to the remote corners of India and describing in such a flow that we feel a part of the story. Salute to Bslapandi and Vallithai couple
Your love and care for humanbeing touches every soul..
I feel proud to have spend a few days with you and Prof. Ahilya in kutch watching birds.

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Dr Raguram
9/16/2021 07:27:37 am

Deeply touched Sir. You have been an inspiration for many and we particularly cherish the time we had spent with you. Your unstinted committment and monumental contribution in the field conservation is truly outstanding!

Reply
TG
9/16/2021 06:54:26 am

Very moving story! Kudos to the likes of Balpandi.
Beautiful picture!
Please let us know if me and Radhika can be of any help.

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Dr Raguram
9/16/2021 07:28:20 am

Thanks TG and appreciate your helping hand

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Krishnamurthy
9/16/2021 07:35:44 am

Well narrated…. Thanks for sharing the likes of Balpandi….Wonderful.

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Dr Raguram
9/16/2021 07:41:24 am

Thank you!

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Ravi Shankar Rao
9/16/2021 08:02:59 am

Balpandi finding his essence in the conservation of the birds and the habitat had a certain Zen quality about it Ragu.

Reply
Dr Raguram
9/16/2021 08:04:26 am

So true Ravi!

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Nandini Mullatti
9/16/2021 01:15:55 pm

Very touched to read this and see how both Bal Pandian and you too are contributing to the Universe. Reading this really brings home to me the wonders of the Universe to appreciate and savour that we need to lift our heads up from the sometimes petty issues in our lives. Thanks for posting this very touching vignette about an amazing man.

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Dr Raguram
9/16/2021 07:13:54 pm

Thanks Nandini

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Sujata
9/16/2021 10:11:34 pm

Thank you sir for letting us know about Mr Balpandian. Such a nice person he is who is working unselfishly. My prayers and best wishes for him .

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Dr Raguram
9/18/2021 09:04:47 pm

Thanks Sujata

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Nitin Srinivasa Murthy
9/16/2021 10:58:24 pm

Amazing and inspiring story Dr.... Such unsung Heros are the true protectors of our environment, more power to them !

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Dr Raguram
9/18/2021 09:05:23 pm

Thanks Nitin...truly they are the unsung heroes of our environment

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Nandini Murali
9/17/2021 09:53:10 pm

A beautiful offering to bal pandi, as beautiful as the birds! Pandi is a walking avian encyclopedia whose bonding with birds is inspirational! A trip to koonthankulam , for me, can never happen without pandi as my GPS! Worked closely with him on a documentary on him for schools. I recall him telling me that he had accompanied the legendary Salim Ali on his birding trios and the latter even gifted him a copy of his Book of Indian birds! Pandi was also pained by how several orinthologists today exploit his knowledge of birds and bird life... such is the state of knowledge building in the powerful spaces in academia!

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Dr Raguram
9/18/2021 09:09:58 pm

True Nandini. But undetered by circumstances he continues to pursue his passion. I have never seen him demoralized even in the most demanding of adversities

Reply
Ajit Bhide
9/18/2021 01:11:11 am

Terrific write up Ragu!
Interesting gentleman, Mr Pandian. Such knowledge and devotion👌
May his tribe increase.

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Dr Raguram
9/18/2021 09:10:13 pm

Thanks Ajit!

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Manju Reddy
9/19/2021 11:58:06 am

Grateful Sir for writing a heartfelt tribute. It brought tears and at the same time learn that such lion souls remind us what being human means.
Sir, next time when you talk to Mr. Balpandi do tell him that he has made me understand what evolved love means and will treasure his wisdom. Also how can I help?

Reply



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