Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi launches Kishan Rungta's book 'Stalking Tigers on Foot' in Kolkata

Ravi Singh, Secretary General and CEO of World Worldlife Fund (WWF), was present along with the author Kishan Rungta and other guests and dignitaries.

“The book is a delightful read and strikes a chord with those who love nature and wildlife. It also deals with Tigers - a subject that is of national and International importance. The Author takes an in-depth look at the various issues confronting wildlife conservation like the steady disappearance of the forests; the destruction of natural habitats of the big cats; and the human-wildlife conflicts. I appreciate that Mr Rungta has raised serious issues of poaching and illicit trade in wildlife. I wish him many fruitful years of writing,” said Keshari Nath Tripathi in his address.

The book by Kishan Rungta, an industrialist, cricketer, cricket administrator (former chairman of BCCI selection committee) and wildlife enthusiast, covers the period of 1950 to 1970 when the word Conservation was not coined and India lacked any legal measures, rules and regulation to save the big cats and wildlife.

In those days, one could procure a hunting license for Rs 100 and kill wild animals. Also, the maximum penalty for killing animals without permit was barely Rs 500.

Rungta who was himself a hunter later became a wildlife conservationist.

His 200-page book Stalking Tigers on Foot is a telling account of the wanton plunder of wildlife and forestry in India.

“Mr Rungta’s book touches upon some of the most pressing issues of conservation that India faces at present. His interesting narratives throws light on the past and also tells us much about the big cats from his vast experiences,” said Sundeep Bhutoria of Prabha Khaitan Foundation and a wildlife enthusiast.