In the tranquil suburbs of Goa, amidst the lush greenery and harmonious melodies of nature, lies a tale of compassion and dedication that transcends ordinary bounds. At the heart of this narrative is Amrut Singh, a man whose childhood encounters with snakes ignited a lifelong mission to safeguard and protect wildlife. His journey, from fearless snake catcher to the visionary founder of the Animal Rescue Squad, is a testament to the power of empathy and the enduring bond between humanity and the natural world.
Early Influences: A Father’s Wisdom
Amrut Singh’s affinity for wildlife traces back to his formative years, where the sage counsel of his father, Chabilal Singh, laid the foundation for his future endeavours. Amidst playful encounters with serpents, his father imparted invaluable lessons on the significance of every living creature within the intricate tapestry of the environment. Two timeless adages echoed in young Amrut’s mind, shaping his worldview and kindling a sense of responsibility towards nature:
1. “मारनेवाले से, बचानेवाला महान होता है।” (One who saves lives is truly great.)
2. “पर्यावरण का संतुलन रहेगा जब तक, मानव जीवन स्वस्थ रहेगा तब तक।” (The balance of the environment ensures the well-being of humanity.)
A Childhood Passion Awakens
As a child, Amrut’s fascination with snakes transcended mere curiosity; it evolved into a noble pursuit of conservation. Armed with makeshift tools crafted from household items, he embarked on daring rescues, venturing into the realm of venomous Saw-scaled Vipers that once thronged his vicinity. With unwavering determination, he would carefully capture these elusive creatures, gently releasing them back into their natural habitat.
Innovations and Milestones: From Adversity to Advocacy
Amrut’s ingenuity knew no bounds, as evidenced by his inventive contraption—a blend of iron rod, badminton racket, and nylon threads—that facilitated safer snake handling. This innovation not only enhanced his efficacy as a snake catcher but also earned him acclaim as a local hero. His reputation soared further when he successfully captured his first venomous Cobra, cementing his status as a skilled and compassionate wildlife rescuer.
The Genesis of a Movement
The pivotal year of 1995 marked a turning point in Amrut’s journey, catalysed by an article penned by journalist Audumber Chari. The spotlight thrust upon his noble endeavours ushered in an era of widespread recognition and support. Buoyed by newfound allies, Amrut and his like-minded comrades resolved to formalise their collective efforts, birthing the “Friends of Nature, Friends of the Earth ” organisation in 1997. This nascent initiative, driven by a shared passion for conservation, would eventually evolve into the renowned “Animal Rescue Squad” in 1998, solidifying its commitment to safeguarding wildlife.
Education and Advocacy: Illuminating Minds, Preserving Lives
Armed with a newfound sense of purpose, Amrut embarked on a multifaceted mission to educate communities and eradicate prevalent misconceptions surrounding snakes and wildlife. Drawing inspiration from the Rajiv Gandhi Snake Park in Katraj, Pune, he delved deep into the intricacies of wildlife conservation, under the tutelage of esteemed mentor Neelim Kumar Khaire, affectionately known as “Anna.” Equipped with knowledge and zeal, Amrut spearheaded extensive awareness campaigns, spanning villages, schools, and colleges. His endeavours sought not only to dispel myths but also to underscore the indispensable role of wildlife in maintaining ecological harmony.
Safeguarding Sanctuary: Tales of Courage and Compassion
Amidst the verdant landscapes of Goa, Amrut and his dedicated team embarked on countless rescue missions, navigating treacherous terrain and confronting formidable challenges. One such mission, etched in the annals of wildlife conservation, unfolded in 2002—a harrowing encounter with a majestic 12-foot King Cobra perched perilously on a village wall. Armed with steely resolve and unwavering determination, Amrut executed a daring rescue, deftly capturing the elusive serpent and orchestrating its safe release into the sanctuary of Mahaveer. Such endeavours epitomise the valor and compassion that define Amrut’s noble crusade.
Navigating Legal Hurdles: Advocacy Amidst Adversity
Amidst the noble pursuit of wildlife conservation lies a labyrinth of legal intricacies and bureaucratic hurdles. Amrut’s tireless advocacy confronts these challenges head-on, navigating the legal nuances of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 with tenacity and resilience. Despite the daunting legal landscape, he remains steadfast in his commitment to rescue and rehabilitate distressed wildlife, forging alliances with governmental agencies and fellow conservationists to uphold the sanctity of wildlife protection laws.
A Network of Compassion: Collaborative Conservation
Amrut’s vision extends beyond individual endeavours, encompassing a broader ethos of collaborative conservation. Through strategic partnerships with esteemed organizations such as Gomantak Goseva Mahasang Shikeri and Atul Sarin’s Welfare for Animal in Goa Clinic, he fosters a network of compassion aimed at safeguarding diverse species and habitats. Such alliances exemplify the collective strength and solidarity inherent in the realm of wildlife conservation.
Embracing the Future: A Legacy of Compassion
As the sun sets on another day in the realm of wildlife conservation, Amrut Singh’s legacy shines bright, a beacon of hope and compassion for generations to come. His unwavering dedication, innovative spirit, and boundless empathy serve as an inspiration to all who strive to protect and preserve our planet’s precious biodiversity. In the tapestry of life, Amrut’s indelible imprint reminds us of the profound interconnectedness between humanity and the natural world—a legacy worth cherishing and safeguarding for eternity.
