Amidst #lockdown I found this new hobby of observing birds, clicking pics and uploading them here. I give credit for this to my late father, who was an eminent bird watcher & a wildlife photographer. Perhaps this is to do with genes, who got timely activated.

During my professional working days, I used to handle Gujarat Tourism advertising account. And we promoted wild life of Gujarat, in which transparencies of photos clicked by my dad was used in few ads. This was in early 2000.

To his credit, he earned a name as a prominent bird watcher in Gujarat and would go to Nalsarovar, on behalf of Gujarat Government to identify the bird species, which used to arrive there in winters. This was in late 80s and 90s.

While doing so he got in touch with many like minded people and created his own network. Post #2001 earthquake, Gujarat Tourism changed its strategy of promoting monuments to promote people and wildlife. Near Jamnagar, dunny point - a dolphin water body was created.

The wildlife consultant of #DunnyPoint was Mr Luv Kumar Khachhar. The agency was asked to create a brochure for this, and I went to him for taking a brief. It turned out that he was my late dad's friend and he recognised me by my looks (pic: me & my dad) and my name.

His excitement, to meet his friend's son, was uncontrollable. He started discussing all kinds of birds & animals with me. It was more a monologue, as my knowledge of wildlife was as good as my knowledge of medical sciences. He gauged my ignorance and blasted me for that.

That was the first and a last time I met him. I didn't get a chance to meet him again as he passed away after few years. I am sure late Mr Khacchar & my dad would be happy in heavens, to read this thread. It is a tribute to their love for wildlife.