Echoes of the Wild: Jungle Chimes 2024 Marks International Tiger Day with “The Roars” Awards and a Tribute to Legends
By Sneha Chaudhuri
On July 29, 2024, the digital wilderness came alive with the spirit of conservation as GENCF’s Exploring Nature hosted “Jungle Chimes – The Roars 2024 Award Ceremony” on Google Meet, celebrating International Tiger Day with a heartfelt tribute to two remarkable voices of the wild, Shri. A.J.T. Johnsingh and Shri. G. Shaheed.
The evening unfolded as a powerful reflection on the legacy of tiger conservation, weaving together stories of courage, science, and passion. Mr. Satyendra K. Singh, Business Mentor at Exploring Nature, hosted the event alongside Dr. Mithilesh Dutta Dwivedi, Chief Zoologist at GENCF, setting the tone for an evening of reverence and renewal.
A highlight of the ceremony was a special tribute to Shri. A.J.T. Johnsingh, a visionary conservationist whose work transformed India’s approach to wildlife protection. His life’s mission, to safeguard wild spaces and species, continues to inspire generations of ecologists, researchers, and storytellers. The tribute celebrated his enduring impact and his unwavering belief that true conservation begins with empathy and understanding.
Adding to the depth of the event, Shri. G. Shaheed, an eminent environmental journalist from Kerala with over four decades of experience, delivered a stirring talk titled “A Nature’s Rhythm Amplifier.” Through his reflections, he captured the essence of living in sync with the wild, reminding listeners that the heartbeat of the forest is echoed in every living being. Shaheed’s illustrious career, spanning 42 years with Mathrubhumi, saw him pioneer environmental journalism in Kerala, spearhead the Silent Valley Campaign, and serve in key roles including Chief Reporter in Delhi and Bureau Chief in Cochin. His continued advocacy through platforms like Yathra magazine and contributions to frontline conservation writing stand as a testament to his lifelong commitment to the planet.
The ceremony also featured the much-awaited “Roars 2024” Award, recognizing outstanding contributions to wildlife photography and storytelling, art forms that bridge science with emotion and bring the unseen lives of the wild into human consciousness. Esteemed wildlife photographer and Nikon Creator Shri. Rajarshi Banerjee graced the event as judge, sharing his insights on the power of imagery to inspire change and empathy.
Supported by leading names in photography such as Zeiss, We Naturalists, Nikon, Manfrotto, Srishti, GTZO, and Lowep, the event symbolized a beautiful confluence of art, awareness, and action. Every participant, from photographers to field researchers, became part of a larger movement to amplify nature’s voice through creativity and compassion.
As the virtual gathering drew to a close, the spirit of Jungle Chimes 2024 lingered like the echo of a tiger’s roar, strong, purposeful, and timeless. It reminded everyone that conservation is not a solitary act but a collective rhythm, one that beats in harmony with every life form on Earth.
Through The Roars 2024 and the heartfelt tributes, GENCF reaffirmed its mission: to celebrate the wild, honor those who protect it, and inspire new voices to join the chorus.
Because every roar matters, not just in the forest, but in the hearts of those who choose to listen.
