The Better India · 27 days ago
Vivek Menon's election as the first Asian Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission weaves a narrative of passion, determination, and an unyielding love for wildlife. His journey, inspired by the pages of a book on elephants, is a testament to his deep commitment, tracing back to being mentored by conservation luminaries like Iain Douglas-Hamilton and Jane Goodall. Menon's life is an intricate dance between his reverence for elephants-creatures he calls "near persons"-and his drive to shift global conservation policy. His words, "This has been a good year for species," echo a hope that accompanies his ascent to leadership, revealing the complexity of a man dedicated to the wild yet burdened by the looming reality of endangered species. The themes here revolve around the intertwining of personal passion with global responsibility, underscoring the delicate balance between nature and human intervention.