New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that every part of India is not only sensitive towards nature, but is also committed to wildlife protection, he asserted India’s collective responsibility towards environmental conservation.
Addressing Maan ki Baat, Prime Minister said highlighted the rich diversity of wildlife in India and the significant cultural ties that bind the nation to its flora and fauna.
“Do you know what the similarity between the Asiatic Lion, Hangul, Pygmy Hog and Lion-tailed Macaque is? The answer is that all of these are not found anywhere else in the world… they are found only in our country. Indeed, we have a very vibrant eco-system of flora and fauna” he added.
The Prime Minister emphasized India’s vibrant ecosystem, explaining how wild animals are not only a part of nature but deeply embedded in the nation’s history and culture.
He remarked, “Many animals are also observed as the vehicles of our Gods and Goddesses,” citing examples such as the reverence for the tiger in various traditions and local practices across states.
He acknowledged the special relationships that tribes have with wildlife, notably mentioning the Soliga tribe in Karnataka, who he credited for the successful increase in tiger populations in the BRT Tiger Reserve: “Owing to them, there is almost no man-animal conflict in this area.”
Modi also praised the efforts in Gujarat for the conservation of Asiatic Lions in the Gir Forest, noting, “They have shown the world what co-existence with nature means.”
He celebrated the significant rise in populations of several majestic species, stating that the numbers of tigers, leopards, Asiatic Lions, Rhinos, and Barasingha have increased rapidly in the country thanks to dedicated efforts across various states.
The Prime Minister shared an inspiring story about Anuradha Rao, who has dedicated her life to animal welfare in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, earning the affectionate title of ‘Deer Woman’ for her tireless work in protecting deer and peacocks.
With the upcoming celebration of World Wildlife Day next month, PM Modi urged citizens to support those engaged in wildlife protection efforts.
He expressed his satisfaction with the emergence of start-ups in the wildlife conservation space, noting that innovation is key to sustainable progress.
The Prime Minister also reiterated the importance of recognizing and honoring people involved in wildlife conservation across the nation, fostering a spirit of unity in protecting India’s unique natural heritage.
“I have been told about Anuradha Rao ji, many generations of whom have been associated with Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Anuradha ji had dedicated herself to animal welfare at an early age”
For three decades, she has made the protection of deer and peacocks her mission. People here call her ‘Deer Woman’.
