My first visit to Similipal was in 1979 for a thorough survey of river systems to locate any remnant crocodile population or find locations where mugger crocodiles could be released in future. Then, on return from deputation to Government of India, from November 1987, I stayed within Ramatirtha Crocodile Research complex near Jashipur, with Puspa 35 my wife, Anshuman 5 - son and Abhalaxmi 2- daughter. The stay for next 6 years for Similipal work gave me many challenges and many opportunities. Very friendly people and officials. I started changing as a different kind of wildlife researcher.
In 1994, my father 70+ expired while living with us at Ramatirtha. Puspa suffered from malaria in 1994 when I was absent for a little long, inside the jungle. She developed numerous health problems. She breathed her last on 28 June 2003 at Baripada. The CWLW - Sri Suresh Chandra Mohanty organised to shift me to wildlife headquarters for better education and upbringing of children.
On 26 March 2026 evening, I accidentally saw the Tribute given to me by Jashipur Times. I am overwhelmed, and before it gets lost somewhere, I thought to interact with AI and get feedback. Then today, I am preserving it in my blog.
Thank you, Jashipur Times and the people of Mayurbhanj, for the love you have bestowed upon me.
