“Jhuru . . . jaldi neeche aao,” Amma shouts. Jhuru is atop a hill with his friend Bagha the leopard sprawled next to him. “Bagha, why do they always call me when I am with you?” “Well, they don’t want us to be together,” says Bagha licking his paws. “Or are they scared?” Jhuru asks. He gets up and shouts, “Amma, aataa” and proceeded to sprawl again next to Bagha.
It was the last day of the outdoor adventure camp. The campsite was right in the middle of lush green nature with the ethereal mountains by the side. It was a treasure trove of rare flora and fauna, a perfect storybook destination. Kind and friendly villagers lived in the nearby hamlet. It was these sights and sounds, the warmth of the people around, the fresh unpolluted air and the collective experience of everything around that made Praveen come here again and again. Praveen was the camp in-charge. Every year in the month of May, Praveen and his team organised nature-connect sessions for children.