Forest guard Laxmi Maravi talks about being in charge of a school within the Kanha Tiger Reserve – in her own words.
It’s hot in Kanha Tiger Reserve where I am in charge of a school run by the Kanha Workers’ Society. Despite the pre-monsoon heat, I go to school, since 120 students count on us for their education and school supplies.
As this school serves as a lifeline for children from nearby villages, I feel proud to take care of it.
As an underprivileged Gond Adivasi with many siblings, I had to take care of my family from an early age. Growing up in a village and roaming the jungles, and also as a forest guard, I deeply care for the forest. Maybe that’s why caring for these children comes naturally.
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There was a forest chowki in my village. Men in khaki used to urge locals not to cut down trees. But at that young age, I had no idea about the forest department.
Getting the forest guard job wasn’t easy. I was tested for physical endurance but didn’t find it challenging. Maybe playing games in school helped.
When I joined work in 2005, my childhood apprehension about the khaki uniform disappeared. But my guard duty has taken a back seat now as a senior officer put me in charge of the school.
Running it daily takes considerable effort – right from ensuring the lights and fans are working to taking classes.
At present, the school is from nursery to class III. Plans are afoot to make it till class V. There are five teachers at the school which was started in 2017.
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As the children are small, I like interacting with them. Sometimes, I take classes on environmental awareness.
Though the school takes up all my time, I sometimes go on forest duty for tiger census which is carried out every six months. When I spotted a tiger once, though from a distance while walking, my senses stopped. The jungle experience is different.
Many people from outside India visit the school. And I get to interact with them. It widens my horizon.
Living alone in a forest can be challenging at times. Still, I love my job and the school’s responsibility, and I come to the school every day.
I put on my uniform when senior officers visit. In school, I wear a civilian dress.
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I look forward to rains to soak up the parched land. I feel one with nature when the earth smells sweet and the jungle comes to life.
Staying by myself also means cooking. Sometimes I just prepare dal-chawal in the morning rush to reach the school.
As many students live in villages around Kanha, they know about animals but lack awareness of wildlife conservation and its importance. I spread the message through drawings, paintings and storytelling.
I’m glad this school is flourishing in an area where private institutions are almost 20 km away.
I see the children as part of the forest’s existence. Rural children have talent but lack exposure. I am sure we can conserve India’s forests and wildlife through this school.
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Reporting and photography by Deepanwita Gita Niyogi, a journalist based in New Delhi.