Burning Bright!

Beauty conjures itself in a reddish-orange hue smeared with vertical dark stripes – nature is an artist with the right colours. Grace embodies itself through those proud white whiskers and the gait that evokes awe. A creature which would not want to relent!

The national animal of six countries namely India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaysia, N Korea and S Korea , it also has been adopted in various symbols, mascots and coat of arms. Revered and elevated to the status of deities in many cultures. One of the signs of the Chinese zodiac as well. Exhibited widely in literature and adopted in various cartoon depictions including Calvin and Hobbes - serving to the esoteric and the plebian cravings.

William Blake in his works ‘Songs of Innocence’ and ‘Songs of Experience’ juxtaposed child’s world versus an adult world, lamb versus a tiger(tyger) -

Tyger! Tyger! burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

Yet – humans can be diabolical most of the time. Tiger’s bones heal our bones, tiger’s teeth relieve us of tooth aches and yes tiger’s skin provides us warmth and decorate our walls.

Latest survey indicates 1400 tigers surviving in India today. Of the nine known tiger species – three are extinct (Javan, Bali and the Caspian). Bengal tiger which accounts for more than half of world’s tiger population is dwindling at an alarming pace. Project Tiger fizzled out with the Sariska fiasco. The revered creature is struggling to keep pace in this ruthless world.

The economy is booming at a torrid pace for the betterment of its citizens - for a hearty and healthy life. Surely a sanguine world would accommodate this elegant beast. Alas! Where? And add to it - the forest officials in liaison with poachers – thereby ensuring comforts which a government job may not satiate.

Conservation does not mean armed guards. Tigers need space, they need water, and like us they need a home. Conservation should be imbued in every human. Conservation needs education, it also needs a leader with a vision (Project Tiger results show!). It’s the crimson beauty - today - in fear of losing its stripes – the malice can surely spread to other charms of the wild.

Valmik Thapar had once said - 'Nothing short of a miracle can save tigers in the wild in this country. There are many well-intentioned people, but they don't know the needs of the tiger. We have half the world's tiger population. But on the horizon, politically, I see a zero chance of its survival'.