JANE GOODALL : A REASON FOR HOPE

I came across her name from a book and got curious to know more about her and her work. Then in my son's textbook too there was a chapter on her. Next I heard her in TED Talks and was deeply impressed. I found that she has wrote many books too and therefore to know more, I promptly ordered her 'Reason for Hope' online.

As some of you may be knowing, Jane Goodall is world renowned conservationist mainly known for her groundbreaking studies on chimpanzees. Though not a trained scientist, she stayed amongst them for years and made many discoveries which changed our conception about these primates; chief amongst them being their ability to use tools and also feel emotions akin to those of human beings. There are several touching videos in You Tube that depicts the mutual love and faith that Jane and the Chimpanzees share with each other.

'Reason for Hope' is described by her as her 'spiritual autobiography' and it fits the bill perfectly! She guide the readers through her beautiful world and also shares her concerns and fears. She is a firm believer of scientific progress and the capacity of human being to meet greatest of challenges but she is only too well aware of the pitfalls of the consumerist western civilisation. She does not skirt the uncomfortable questions and appreciates the dilemma the world today faces – removal of poverty and human well being vis a vis preservation of environment. They need not be mutually exclusive, she has concluded, only we need to get our priorities right.

Today we are facing a world ravaged with war, terrorism and large scale ecological violation and it is easy to lose hope. But reading her words one get infected by her optimism and energized to contribute in one's limited way – planting a tree, feeding a stray dog, taking public vehicle or better, walking, to the office. Who knows, our small efforts may help humanity in reaching the critical mass required to start a revolution that our planet desperately needs.

I have tried to introduce, perhaps inadequately, an illuminating figure who is working tirelessly despite of her advanced age for the planet we all inhabit. Her NGO, Roots & Shoots, is carrying forward her vision to different parts of the planet; though in India it seems that it does not have an office yet.

Such people deserve to be the heroes of our children rather than cricketers, industrialists and movie stars. Yes, she is one amongst the handful whose presence itself is a 'Reason for Hope' for us and our future generation.