Down the decades, Jim Corbett in TOI
NEW DELHI: Jim Corbett, whose 150th birth anniversary is being celebrated, was a hero and a redeemer for the hill-folk of Kumaon and Garhwal in the 1920s and 1930s colonial India. But the hunter-turned-conservationist got written about nationally and became a global literary star only after his debut book, 'Man-Eaters of Kumaon' came out in 1944.
He was 69 then.
'It is safe to say that no journalist could have written 'a jungle thriller' of more absorbing interest than this classic by Jim Corbett, which is undoubtedly the best thing of its kind since 'Man-Eaters of Tsavo,' The Times of India review in Sept 1944 said.
'Man-Eaters of Tsavo' (1907), a tale of two terrorising lions in east Africa, was written by hunter John Patterson and was filmed decades later as 'The Ghost and The Darkness' (1996).
The review further said that 'what Jim Corbett doesn't know about tigerland and tiger habits isn't worth knowing…' and pointed out that 'the author is giving the whole of his royalties to St Dunstan's hostel for blinded Indian soldiers (in World War II).'
'Man-Eaters of Kumaon' was also a choice for the 'Book of the Month' club in the USA. 'Probably this is the first book published in India to be so honoured,' noted a TOI article in November 1945.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Legendary Stars: Timeless Icons
Suburban Finance
Undo
TOI described his second book, 'The Man-Eating Leopard of Rudraprayag', as a 'masterpiece of suspense.' But also said that the book was 'greater' and 'deeper'. 'It is inspired throughout by deep human pity and an understanding of what this terrible enemy meant to thousands of poor folk,' the Nov 1945 review said.
Corbett stayed connected with India long after he migrated to Kenya. In 1955, he weighed in on Ramu, the controversial 'wolf' boy, which was published in TOI.
The engagement was reciprocated. Letters were written to the TOI editor, some decades after his death. In 1960, SA Bashir from Ahmedabad wrote that Corbett's 'My India' should be prescribed as 'a rapid reader for matriculation or intermediate students.'
In 1975, his birth centenary year, Dr AS Kothari wrote, 'No other foreigner loved India so much as this great Englishman ... We should name Bombay's national park after Jim Corbett and publish cheap books on the wildlife of India to commemorate him.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
Hale Nerenki school all set for centenary celebrations in Nov
Mangaluru: The govt Higher Primary School in Hale Nerenki, Kadaba taluka, is all set for its centenary celebrations in Nov this year. To mark the occasion, the school's centenary committee, alumni association, SDMC, and the teaching staff have all joined hands. The school completed 100 years in 2023, but the centenary celebrations, having a budget of around Rs 60 lakh, were delayed due to financial constraints. The decks are now clear for the bash to be held in the last week of Nov. In 1923, the institution had a humble beginning from a small building owned by the Nerenki Guthu family to address the educational needs of the people of Hale Nerenki. In 1925, it was handed over to the taluka board. Later, in 1962, it was upgraded to a higher primary school, with a further upgrade coming in 2007. However, student enrolment at the school has seen a steady decline. From 410 at one point, student numbers have now come down to 109. Shantappa Y Gowda, the headmaster, though, sounded an optimistic note, claiming that the Hale Nerenki school is at par with private schools in the vicinity in terms of the quality of education. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gentle, Needle-Free Way to Monitor Blood Sugar—Now Being Tried by Seniors Zakdavi Undo The school, built on 1.91 acres, includes a playground, computer room, library, provides clean drinking water, has well-furnished classrooms, and an auditorium. The theatre and staff room have been renovated. Known for its sporting achievements, the school was built under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, with Ramakunja gram panchayat as an active patron and several organisations supporting it through their corporate social responsibility funding. Various organisations have also been generous with donations to support it.
Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
DK schools gradually embrace inclusive edu for kids with special needs
Mangaluru: Schools across Dakshina Kannada are gradually embracing inclusive education models. Institutions are hiring shadow teachers and special educator teachers and engaging mental health professionals for in-class support, assessments, and therapy. This approach is helping children with special needs receive personalised, consistent academic and emotional guidance within the normal school setting. The NEP 2020 also emphasises inclusive education, aiming to ensure that all students, regardless of their background or circumstances, have access to quality education and opportunities for success. Children with special needs were earlier restricted only to special schools, but of late, normal schools are opening their doors. These children include those with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Down's syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other physical limitations. Reshma Nayak Sujir, principal of The Bharat Academy, said that they are admitting children based on the extent of difficulty and possibility of attention needed. "Some of them have shadow teachers based on their condition. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mini House for 60 sqm for Seniors with Toilet and Bath (Price May Surprise You) Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo We have children with ADHD, autism, Down's syndrome, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities. Those who don't have shadow teachers are assisted by our caretakers," she said. Apart from the provision of shadow teachers, mental health professionals, and caretakers, schools are also investing in inclusive amenities within the campus. Fr Rohan D'Almeida, principal of St Aloysius Gonzaga School, Mangaluru, shared that the NEP stresses inclusive education. "We have ramps, differently abled friendly toilets, and elevators to move around easily. Besides, there are also special educators and mental health professionals. These children are not separated from normal children but are allowed to fully mingle with them," said Fr Almeida. The normal children are well integrated with neurodivergent and other children with physical limitations. There is learning for other children outside the classroom because of their presence, shared Surekha Bhat, principal of Canara High School. "We have noticed that there is a lot of emotional bonding and empathy being extended to these children. One of our children with cerebral palsy in a wheelchair is always taken around by their classmates. This is one example," she added. Another school situated in Urwa added that they have two children with ADHD in their lower primary classes. "We will have to take a call on their continuation of education once they reach grade six and above. It is whether to continue here or if they require special schools," the school head added. A mental health professional and psychiatrist pointed out that it is a positive sign. However, there needs to be more awareness and a proactive role from schools to accommodate more children with suitable special academic plans for them. "All these children need individual academic plans, which are currently available in normal schools," pointed out a child psychiatrist.
Time of India
35 minutes ago
- Time of India
DK schools continue to record zero admissions leading to closure
Mangaluru: Some schools in Dakshina Kannada continue to record zero admissions, leading to their closure. This academic year, to date, a total of 13 schools, including six government and aided educational institutions, received zero admissions. According to the school education and literacy department, every year, more than 10 schools in the district continued to receive zero admissions. In the 2024-25 academic year, a total of 14 schools in the district had zero enrolment. Govinda Madivala, DDPI, Dakshina Kannada, said that school admissions are open until the end of this month. "So far, as per the details available on the Student Achievement Tracking System, a total of 13 schools have received zero admissions to their Class I. Among them, six are government lower primary schools. Out of six aided schools, two are high schools and the rest are primary schools. One unaided school has also seen zero enrolments. Among the 13 schools, one is a special school situated in Surathkal." Madivala added that despite several schools receiving zero admissions, it has not made a difference to the total enrolment in the district, which is expected to reach a number similar to the previous academic year, which was around 3.3 lakh. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo "All six government schools with zero enrolment are lower primary schools. The preference for English medium education among people has weakened the Kannada medium classes in government schools. With the increase in bilingual medium schools, the enrolment in Kannada medium has significantly declined. There are a total of 238 bilingual medium schools in the district with new schools recently approved," an education department official stated. The official added that even when a government school is nearby, parents opt for English medium schools and enrol their children in private schools. There is intense competition for student enrolment in bilingual medium government schools, while enrolment in Kannada medium schools is declining. As for the aided schools, they are struggling without permanent teachers. In places without permanent staff, guest teachers are hired, and the management has to pay them. Therefore, the number of aided schools with zero admissions is increasing every year. Some of the aided schools that received zero admissions are Swami Muktananda Paramahamsa Higher Primary School near Moodbidri, St Philomena Higher Primary School, and Saverapura Kiripushpa Higher Primary School.
