Dr. Pralad Yonzon...In My Memory

Dr. Pralad Yonzon

(May 21, 1951 - October 31, 2011)

When I worked for the then King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation back in 1996, my colleagues usually talked about the great projects and achievements of Dr Pralad Yonzon in the field of wildlife research and conservation biology. Since then I had a desire to see him.

Chestnut In A Decade

There are plenty of chestnut trees (Nepali: katus) in the mix forest of Chitwan hills. Other deciduous tree species include chilaune, jamuna, mauwa, saur etc. Leaves of katus are locally used to make roof while timber has been used to build house and make furniture.

However its fruit holds the significance as it is widely consumed by people. They eat chestnut either raw or roasted but the roasted one is more delicious. Chestnut is one of the important ingredients in the festival of Tihar. Local people sell chestnut in nearby market as there is huge demand of chestnut during this time.

Make New Friends

Sitting on wheelchair in his musical lab in Bagbazar, my friend Rajkumar Malakar, a classical guitar instructor, was explaining the horrific incidence of the recent earthquake that shook whole country. First computer and its accessories trembled followed by swinging movement of the building and he rushed down to the street. In open and spacious space, he found himself surrounded by people from all walks of life: businessmen, servicemen, police, armies, laborers, technicians, professionals, drivers and leaders.

Lost Rhino

Shreeram, operation in charge of United Elephant Co-operative Ltd, Sauraha, invited me to have elephant safari with him into Baghmara Community Forest in search of rhino which is becoming elusive in the forest recently.

He informed me that rhino has not been sighted for almost 10 days in Baghmara Community Forest and adjoining Chitrasen Community Forest. But, it used to be seen commonly just a month ago. It is a worry for private elephant entrepreneurs who are organizing the elephant back safari for the visitors.

Health Program In Gadi

With full of passion and enthusiasm to help rural people of Nepal, 5 French volunteers (Ophelie, Eddine, Khalil, Rafik and Camille) arrived in Upardang Gadi, the beautiful hill village of Chitwan, in mid monsoon.

During 3 weeks of their stay, they helped people to build 15 smoke-less stoves, 15 simple-pit latrines and also distributed the basic medicines (paracetamol, antiseptics, tapes and bandages) to school such that people would have easy access to basic treatment.

Slacklining In Chitwan Hills

Some French volunteers are now in Upardang Gadi to help the rural communities in health and agriculture sectors. Monsoon is in full swing and there is lots of rain this year, especially in the hills. Despite the inhospitable weather and blood-thirsty leeches, volunteers are focused in their work.

Apart from the work, they are also enjoying slacklining, the sport of walking on the flat nylon rope tentioned between the two anchor points.

Arresting Bees

It sounds weird to arrest bees that roam around freely but Som Bahadur Praja, 27, does this job immaculately.

When he sees the swarm of bees, he chases them throwing fistful of earth continuously upon them.