Rajya Sabha member Parimal Nathwani has come out with his second coffee-table book on the Asiatic Lion of Gir in Gujarat, titled ‘Call of the Gir’. He presented the first copy of the book to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 31. Earlier in 2017, Nathwani had penned ‘Gir Lions: Pride of Gujarat’, which was published by the Times Group Books (TGB).
Unlike the previous book, ‘Call of the Gir’ is less text-heavy and more pictorial. It deals with some rare pictures of lions climbing trees, licking mineral blocks, cajoling and lovemaking, playing with cubs, eating the prey, etc. At the same time, the book also depicts the vivid bio-diversity and flora and fauna of Gir. The texts and pictures reflect Nathwani’s intense love and passion for Gir and its rich wildlife as well as trees, water streams and overall life in Gir.
This new book has a message from the Prime Minister as well as from Anant Ambani, director of Reliance Industries Ltd. The coffee-table book is published by the internationally known publisher Quignog.
Nathwani, in the author’s note of the book ‘Call of the Gir’, has confessed that each visit to Gir rejuvenates and inspires him. He hopes that after going through this book, it will inspire love for Gir in others too and this would be his greatest achievement. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his unwavering encouragement in his pursuits of Gir. He was also grateful to Anant Ambani, the visionary behind the Vantara project. Anant Ambani while congratulating ‘Parimal uncle for this masterpiece’ has said in his message that ‘in a world where wildlife is shrinking rapidly, the book is a reminder that we have a responsibility to protect and cherish our natural heritage’.
“I have been visiting Gir for over 30 years now. I have collected numerous pictures of the Asiatic Lion in Gir over the years. This new book showcases some of the best photographs of lions in Gir. It would help not only the lion lovers but also the wildlife enthusiasts across the world,” said Nathwani.
He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary ‘Project Lion’ and said the lion population has increased considerably due to the conservation and protection efforts of the state government and the central government. Today, the lions’ presence is seen in more than eight districts in the state and a new habitat is being developed for them at Barda in Porbandar district, he added.
While Nathwani has been constantly live on social media with pictures, videos and messages about Gir and lions, the book ‘Call of the Gir’ is a unique and iconic creation from him for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
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