In the Shadow of Beasts: Wild Encounters Across My Life

Do you ever see wild animals?

In the Shadow of Beasts: Wild Encounters Across My Life

Living amidst the enchanting wilderness of Nepal, nestled between the towering Himalayas and dense, verdant jungles, I learned early that nature is both a cradle of life and a kingdom of untamed beauty. My childhood in Nepal was not merely a passage through the simplicity of rural life; it was a profound immersion into a world where humans and wildlife coexisted, often with awe-striking results.

Childhood Amidst the Roar and Rustle

In the quietude of Nepal’s countryside, I often heard the distant trumpeting of elephants, their regal presence both intimidating and captivating. Tigers roamed stealthily in the nearby forests, their shadows casting a thrilling fear among villagers. We, as children, learned to respect their dominion, often retreating indoors at the first sign of twilight. I recall once spotting a leopard perched high in a tree during a family outing—its golden eyes burning like embers against the dense foliage. That moment was a cocktail of terror and admiration, a memory etched forever in the mind of a wide-eyed boy.

Darjeeling’s Majestic Intrusions

In Darjeeling, where I pursued my education, wildlife was a daily spectacle. Red pandas, with their fluffy tails and curious demeanour, would occasionally grace the treetops near the school. The chirping of exotic Himalayan birds served as a symphony to our lives, their vibrant colours a stark contrast to the emerald greens of tea gardens. Evenings often brought stories of Himalayan black bears rummaging through the outskirts, a reminder of how the wild encroached upon human settlements.

Mussoorie and Dehradun: A Wildlife Haven

As I transitioned into adulthood, my life took me to the picturesque hill stations of Mussoorie and Dehradun. Here, my encounters with wild animals grew more varied. Spotted deer would dart across hiking trails, their delicate frames a symbol of agility and grace. Once, during a trek in the dense forests of Rajaji National Park, I stood frozen as a herd of wild elephants crossed my path—a sight as humbling as it was overwhelming.

In the Wilds of Himachal and Karnataka

In Himachal Pradesh, the landscape was a mosaic of snow-clad peaks and pine-laden forests. Amidst this serenity, monkeys were ubiquitous—playful yet notorious for their cheeky antics. On one occasion, a particularly bold langur snatched my lunch, leaving me hungry but undeniably amused.

Bangalore, my current home, presents a different side of wildlife. Visits to the outskirts reveal peacocks in full splendour, their iridescent feathers shimmering in the sun. Occasionally, one might spot a mongoose darting through the shrubs, a flash of silver amidst the greenery.

Philosophy in the Wild

These encounters with wild animals have been more than mere brushstrokes on the canvas of my life—they are lessons in humility. The roar of a tiger or the flutter of a bird reminds us of our shared heritage on this Earth. Animals live without malice, guided by instincts that resonate with nature’s rhythm. Their existence demands respect and protection, a philosophy deeply rooted in Indian ethos and my own experiences.

In Retrospect

Living in proximity to wildlife has been a privilege, an unending source of wonder and wisdom. From the jungles of Nepal to the urban fringes of Bangalore, the wild has always whispered its secrets to me, filling my life with tales that are both thrilling and reflective.

As I write this, the image of that leopard in Nepal resurfaces—a silent reminder that the wild, in all its majesty, is a realm to be revered, not conquered.

So, do I see wild animals? Yes, and every encounter is a story waiting to be told, a page in the ever-evolving book of life.