Sálim Ali for Children: The Bird Man of India

by Zai Whitaker

OF COURSE THERE WERE BIRDS IN THE BUSHES, TREES AND SKIES BEFORE SÁLIM ALI. BUT IT WAS HE WHO PUT THEM ON INDIA'S MAP FOREVER.

From being a trigger-happy airgun-toting nine-year-old boy to becoming one of the foremost bird scientists in the world, Sálim Ali did not follow a straight path. Somewhere along his adventures between India, Burma and Europe, he developed such a single-minded zeal for the study of feathered creatures that he spent all his time close to them.

Over the long course of researching bird life, in the days when there were no computers or internet, he wrote the first Indian field guide to birds, using just a notebook and binoculars.

'Sálim Bhai' - as he was widely known - had neither wealth nor connections in high places, but his passion for birds, a phenomenal memory and discipline made him one of the most famous ornithologists in the country and beyond.

In Sálim Ali for Children, his grand-niece Zai Whitaker brings to life the inspiring story of this brilliant, quirky man who left behind an incredible legacy.

114 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2023

Reviews

[Madhulika Liddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zai Whitaker begins her biography of Dr Salim Ali, her maternal grandmother’s brother, by talking about how, in his childhood, he shot sparrows with an air gun—and spent a lot of time examining the specimens he thus obtained. From young Salim’s first forays into nature studies, through his unsuccessful attempts to work in other (not nature-related) fields, to his eventual arrival at that sweet spot—where he was finally able to find an occupation that was all about ornithology—this is a fascinating story. It’s fascinating (and vastly inspiring) to see how a single-minded passion for birds led Salim Ali to go places others had not been before. It’s fascinating to read about the adventures (some hair-raising, some hilarious) that came Salim Ali’s way in his quest to study India’s birds.

I loved the illustrations (by Rohan Dahotre). The photographs, of which I wish there were more. The many glimpses of a bygone age and its myriad challenges for a naturalist. The insight into the scientist as a person: witty, indefatigable, courageous, resourceful. The anecdotes are fabulously interesting, and written in a way that would appeal to a child: loads of fun. There are excerpts from Salim Ali’s journal notes, too, that have been edited to be child-friendly, and which I found very interesting.

I appreciated, too, the fact that Zai Whitaker doesn’t sugarcoat everything, but allows reality to make its presence felt. The death of Salim Ali’s beloved wife Tehmina, and how that affected him, is talked about here; there is also a recognition of other problems—some more personal (a wannabe naturalist going into deep depression and having to turn back on a difficult expedition), some more ‘public’ (climate change, deforestation). It’s all written in a sensible, balanced way so it’s not horrifically grim or unsuitable for children.

There is, too, the practical side of things, a little incentive to begin birding. A bunch of portraits, with accompanying details, of some of India’s rarest and most beautiful birds. A brief chapter, at the end, of how you can begin birding, and how to go about it.

If you have a child in your life you’d like to get interested in nature, this might be a way to start. Lovely book.

[Sonam Dubey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written and a good read for bird enthusiasts who are amateurs. It’s a mini Biography of Salim Ali. Though it has details of some bird species.
Also to my wonder, why book name is Salim Ali for “children” , adults would love to read this book just like me!

[Arefa Tehsin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most captivating and educational biography (for both children and grown-ups) on the legendary birdman of India and his journey as the foremost ornithologist of the subcontinent. I, as an author of books on nature, absolutely loved reading Salim Ali for Children: The Bird Man of India. The author has beautifully captured Salim Ali's life and times and the anecdotes are all the more special as they come from a personal place. Salim Ali's life is an extraordinary story, which is brought out very well through this book. The author gives a deep perspective on the pioneering conservation efforts in an era when India was finding its footing as a nation. A must read for children interested in wildlife and nature, and also for those who are not, as the book talks about where the love for nature stems from. Highly suited as a supplementary reader in schools!

[Sami Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a book about Bird man of India

[Omkar Kumble · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are an animal lover, then this is a MUST read !