Forest Ranger Seeta Jamra at Kanha Jati Park in Madhya Pradesh works continuously with the Baiga community and helps many of them self-sustain.
Many times, Seeta Jamra, working as Ranger at Kanha National Park, faced a dangerous situation, unfavourable in the professional field, but coped with everything. Of course, that’s not her only identity. She takes various initiatives for locals, specifically women.
Seeta said about her professional life, “From the beginning, I will do anything for nature—studies in forestry. After being selected, I did 18 months of training in Guwahati in Assam.
The first posting was at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. Then I came to Kanha National Park. Jungle life is always challenging, Be ready for any situation. Once, a bear fell into the well. I went there to rescue them. The area was crowded to look at the bow. Rope the ladder outside the well, then save the bear from inside the well.
Locals are so crowded it’s very difficult to rescue. We told them the injured bear could look back to theirs, and it could also cause damage. Suddenly one of them said the bear was near to my car. When I wanted to go inside my car, I saw that the car door was closed. Then told others to come towards me screaming, and with a stick, they sounded in the land. After a while, the bear changed direction and returned to the forest.
Once, I also see the tiger face to face. Then the heartbeat stopped for a second or two. But I won’t lift.
From the beginning, there is plenty of wildlife poaching to investigate. Once the news came, someone from the village hunted the Sambars. Then I went to the victim’s house.
Sambar’s body parts are found on the spot, feels very bad. She was a pregnant Samber. Sometimes it isn’t easy to work together with locals. Seeta also said, “All are not bad, But many of them are poachers. It is not only the responsibility of the forest department. Local people are also equally responsible for this. Local people must be contributing to protect the forest”.
She also inspired the Baiga community to make tribal jewellery. These ancient tribes mainly stay in Mandla and Balaghat districts in Madhya Pradesh. I heard that ‘Baiga’ comes from Vaidya because they know many medicinal plants and their benefits. Normally Koro Millet, Kutki and food made with a small amount of flour are their regular staple meal. Page- a water-based, is also the staple food of this community. The body keeps cool in this water. They use the Mahuya flowers as one of the food ingredients.
Juice from Mahuya is used in various pujas or festivals. Women love to wear silver jewellery. Seeta tries to take this industry forward. This jewellery keeps in Souvenir Shop. Visitors buy these ornaments from this shop. For the young generation, she opens a free library for those studying. I also give those books for competitive exams and counsel them sometimes.
I have given training to several young people who are working now. About 50 people are operating freely. And we have 5 Libraries.
I have arranged the Kabaddi and Volleyball game. Around 300-350 players Participated in it. People from players’ families also come, and I connect with them. Informed them about nature and the jungle and requested them to pay attention. Do you know how many of them are applied for the forest guard? I hope you will get it,” she said. Actually, “If you wish wholeheartedly, it will come out”. If you want to take the initiative, five more people will come to help you.
By clearing some rooms library was created. Many people donate books. Someone from Indore came here to teach Physical Training, and it’s free.
There was one person from Germany who donated to 11 students. “You should show the right direction to the Youth society, and then you will see a lot of problems solved”. Seeta also said, “When the locals see that I want to do something which benefits them, they also listen to my words. For these, a good relationship with the forest department is being created with them.”
She has a four-year-old son, and her husband is also a forest range officer. Her husband helps a lot with their household work. “Being in the same profession is beneficial for understanding”,- Seeta said with a smile.
Motherhood, with the responsibility of the Forest ranger along with moving towards the goal of standing up the young generation … the victory story of Madhya Pradesh
Seeta Jamra’s story is so inspiring. Take a bow
