Paperman Media (Bhubaneswar)- "Birds of Mangalajodi" book unveiled at Bhubaneswar by Dr Srinivasa Rao Somanchi and the late Seetha Khambhampati, wildlife photographers
The event brought together environmentalists, conservationists, photography enthusiasts and local literary figures to celebrate a work devoted to the migratory birds that descend annually upon the Chilika Lake. The book was formally released by Dr Arabinda Behera, IAS, Former Addl. Chief Secretary & Development Commissioner, Govt. of Odisha, who praised the book for its role in documenting the migratory patterns and rare species that frequent Mangalajodi, often referred to as a “Bird’s Paradise”.
Mr Bijay Ketan Pattnaik, IFS, former PCCF & Chief Wildlife Warden, Odisha in his address appreciated the efforts made by Dr Rao and his late wife Seetha Khambhampati who had captured the winged guests of Chilika lagoon with great detail. Mr Anil Dhir, governing body member INTACH, historian, conservationist and author reviewed the book and shared his impressions on the work. The grand son of Dr Somanchi read the message and book review by Dr Sanjib Sarangi, Chief Operating Officer Indian Grameen Services. Mr Sarangi is the key person of generating livelihoods to the poachers turned protectors.
"Mangalajodi is a miracle of community-led conservation," said Dr. Rao during the keynote presentation. "These photographs represent a joint endeavour born from a shared love of bird photography. My wife and I explored these wetlands together over multiple trips, both of us capturing the magic of the marshes from behind our lenses. This book is the beautiful completion of our shared journey”, he added.
There are few peoples from Mangalajodi also participated in the book review event with the leadership of Purna Chandra Behera, Managing Trustee Mangalajodi Ecotourism Trust. Bhaskar Chandra Sahoo, AVP Indian Grameen Services, Shashanka Sekhar Dash, former COO of Mangalajodi Ecotourism Trust, Cinema Maker Subash Rath, Author Golak Prasad Singh, Young Architect Anisha Swain, Prof Gaher Abedin, Asst Prof Sweta Purohit, Journalist Supriya Dash, Subarna Ghosh, President Society For Nature Education & Health (SNEH) and many other dignitaries also present in the book unveiled program.
