Jibaner Indradhanu

Author: Dhrutikanta Lahiri Chowdhury
Genre: Atmajibani - Jibani - Smritikatha
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9789350400326
Pages: 224
Weight: 503 grams

Book Description:

Jibaner Indradhanu is an evocative memoir by Dhrutikanta Lahiri Chowdhury, a renowned elephant expert, that unveils his childhood memories and his remarkable journey from the idyllic rural life to the bustling life in Kolkata. The narrative begins with a vivid recollection of his childhood and his bond with a playful elephant named Chanchalpiyari. He fondly recalls his early days in the family’s vast estate, with elephants in the stable, ponds filled with fish, and a carefree existence full of games and exploration.

His education began under the tutelage of his maternal grandfather, Raja Jagatkishore Acharya, who taught him using a quill and ink on palm leaves. His early life moved between his father’s ancestral estates in Muktagacha and Kalipur, where he experienced a childhood full of nature, animals, and a privileged lifestyle. However, as time passed, he had to leave this world behind and shift to Kolkata for his studies at Presidency College, marking the beginning of his adult life and struggles.

This memoir presents a fascinating account of Dhrutikanta Lahiri Chowdhury's life, not just in India, but his travels across the world. Along with personal anecdotes, the book is enriched with invaluable photographs from his travels and explorations. The author provides readers with insight into the world of elephant conservation, his experiences, and his significant contributions to wildlife preservation.

About the Author:

Dhrutikanta Lahiri Chowdhury was born in September 1931 in Kalipur, Mymensingh, which is now part of Bangladesh, and later moved to Kolkata following the partition of India. His father was Dhirendrakanta Lahiri Chowdhury, and his mother was Renuka Devi Chowdhurani. He completed his MA in English Literature from Presidency College, Calcutta University, and later earned his Ph.D. from Leeds University.

An expert in elephant conservation, Dhrutikanta Lahiri Chowdhury served as a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Elephant Specialist Group and the West Bengal Wildlife Advisory Board from 1977 onwards. He conducted surveys of the wild elephant populations in Northeast India under the auspices of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-International).

He has published extensively in international journals and has been a prominent member of the editorial board for the Gaj journal, the leading publication for elephant conservation. His expertise and invaluable contributions have earned him recognition in the form of the Ananda Puraskar (for his book on elephants, in 1413 Bengali Year).

He retired after a long and distinguished career as a professor at Rabindra Bharati University, where he also contributed significantly to wildlife conservation and elephant research.