A Walk Up The Hill: Living with People and Nature

by Madhav Gadgil

Madhav Gadgil was born in Pune in 1942, just as Salim Ali's superbly illustrated Book of Indian Birds was published. Influenced by his birdwatcher father, he learnt to recognize birds from their pictures even before he could read. He is an unusual combination of a person fascinated by the diversity of the natural world, of the landscapes and the life they support, as well as the diversity of cultures and lifestyles of the people firmly rooted to India's soil. He has dedicated himself to intellectual pursuits ranging over mathematics, natural and social sciences, history and public policy.

This book is an account of his life walking up and down the country's hills and dales, watching peacocks dance and elephants prance, living among fisherfolk on the west coast, horticulturists on Western Ghats, and the tribals of Manipur and Maharashtra, all the while being a part of a vibrant scientific community.

Genres: Environment, India, Ecology, Autobiography, Biography

412 pages, Hardcover

Published December 19, 2023

About the author

Madhav Gadgil (born 1942 Pune) is an Indian ecologist.

Reviews

[Mugdha Mahajan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madhav Gadgil's life, as beautifully portrayed in this book, is a testament to his remarkable journey through the diverse landscapes and cultures of India. His deep connection to nature, from birds to the lush Western Ghats, and his intellectual pursuits spanning various fields make for a fascinating read. It's a captivating account of a man deeply rooted in his country's soil, while actively contributing to the scientific community.

[Harini Gopalswami Srinivasan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fabulous cover of A Walk Up the Hill is almost impossible to resist! An autobiography, it is also an assessment of the state of the environment in India (in particular the forests of the Western Ghats), of higher education, of people's movements and so much more. Professor Madhav Gadgil headed the Centre for Ecological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science (IISC) in Bangalore, he was a former member of the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India and the Head of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel of 2010, popularly known as the Gadgil Commission. The book covers a lot of ground and a time span of over fifty years - a long, slow and fascinating read that took me several weeks. There's much to admire, despair about, cheer for, and disagree with.



The author's scientific temper is inspiring and pervasive. His wide and interdisciplinary interests make for fascinating reading. I also admire the liberal intellectual upbringing that gave him a springing board for his career that few of us have been privileged to have. My own family considers itself liberal but I realise more everyday how hidebound we actually were. Gadgil's father, the eminent economist D. R. Gadgil, and a family friend, Dr. Irawati Karve, well known sociologist and anthropologist, fostered his natural curiosity and exposed him at a young age to a range of issues in science, religion, society, economics, etc. The story of his marriage to Sulochana, another brilliant scholar, is lovely to read about, as is their time as students in Stanford, their subsequent decision to return to India, and their career at the Indian Institute of Science.

Two parallel themes run through the book - one heartening and one depressing. The first is the account of the rural and tribal people, their intelligence and care for the environment that has sustained our forests, sacred groves , agricultural lands and rivers through the millennia. Gadgil's love of and faith in these people is very endearing. The dark side is the consistent erosion of such traditional environment-saving practices and beliefs by successive governments, starting with the British. Gadgil does not have much respect for the policies or the officers of the forest department, which may or may not be justified. I would like to think there are many dedicated foresters in the country. However, the policies, which favour industrialists and miners while excluding the local people are certainly deeply flawed. Gadgil repeatedly speaks of externality, a term introduced by the economist Arthur Cecil Pigou, that refers to the cost or benefit that affects a third party who did not choose to incur that cost or benefit - a concept that is central to environmental economics.

One point Gadgil fails to make is that under the present ruling dispensation, environmental destruction is proceeding at breakneck speed, completely unchecked, and undeterred by even the flawed idealism of previous regime.This is deeply worrying and I hope the book serves to bring our administrators to their senses and correct course before it's too late.

A point on which I must vehemently disagree with the author is in his assumption that animals are important only as a part of the environment. He never once refers to animal rights, which I find surprising and shocking. Gadgil believes the Indian Forest Act that bans all hunting should be lifted - this is the only way to check the growing man-animal conflict. It's all very well to say that tribal people must hunt because it's part of their way of life and diet. It's quite another to uphold Western ideas of hunting as a form of recreation. Animals do not exist for our amusement or delectation. They have as much right to their life and natural surroundings as humans. Humans should avoid giving them pain or intruding on their space as much as possible.

One of the most positive things in the book is the way high school and college teachers and students all along the Western Ghats have participated enthusiastically in the monitoring of biodiversity. It's heartening to know that scientific curiosity, rigour, and love of nature abound in the small towns. Right from the beginning of the project, Gadgil decided to use the project funds received by the Centre for Ecological Sciences at IISC to train and enable local people rather than hire project assistants in the city. This led to the establishment of the Western Ghats Biodiversity Network, the methodology having been developed in a four day workshop that brought together 35 science teachers from 27 institutions converting the entire north -south stretch of the Western ghats. This kind of inclusiveness is badly needed in our country. I hope our premier institutions will take note and be inspired to follow Gadgil's example.

All in all a very good read! If you're interested in science, the environment, education and general India matters, don't miss this book!

See a more detailed review here: https://thelongview2016.wordpress.com...

[Asha Seth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madhav Gadgil, a Padma Bhushan awardee, was born in 1942 in Pune, had a deep love for nature from a very young age. His dad, who loved birds, taught him to recognize birds from pictures even before he could read. Madhav had a unique mix of interests—he was fascinated by the natural world, different landscapes, the creatures that lived in them, and the diverse cultures of the people in India.

In his memoir, Madhav Gadgil talks about his life, which was heavily influenced by his strong connection to nature and his dedication to environmental causes. He shares memories from his childhood treks under the starry night sky and his journey from Pune to Harvard University. While at Harvard, he loved the intellectual environment but decided to return to India during the Vietnam War, choosing not to be a part of the "brain drain."

Back in India, he worked on various projects, including protecting tigers and studying bamboo. He also challenged some common beliefs about how tribal communities interact with nature. Madhav Gadgil's memoir shows his lifelong commitment to preserving nature and the challenges that come with balancing environmental conservation and economic interests. This book is filled with interesting life stories, scientific insights, and a heartfelt tribute to a dear friend, making it a captivating exploration of one man's journey to protect our environment.

The book also takes you on a journey through the hills and valleys of India, where Madhav watched peacocks dance and elephants roam. He lived among coastal fisherfolk, learned from horticulturists in the Western Ghats, and connected with tribal communities in Manipur and Maharashtra. Throughout, he remained a vital part of the scientific community. This book opens one's eyes and conscience to becoming more serious about ecological conservation.

[Sajith Kumar · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Kerala, Madhav Gadgil’s fame is similar to the character of Mr. Frankland in ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ – he is ‘either carried in triumph down the village street or burnt in effigy’. The report of the Western Ghats expert panel which he chaired recommended stringent rules on human habitation in the ecologically sensitive spots and as a consequence became a harbinger of bad times for the settler community in these zones who have been carrying on agriculture for a living for decades. Meanwhile, he is a hero of the environmental activists and the Left-leaning science awareness body called Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad (KSSP). Madhav Gadgil is a scientist well-versed in theory and quantitative methods and is an excellent field ecologist-cum-field anthropologist fascinated by the natural world and people and culture. I had initially thought that this book was an autobiography but this is only a memoir and that too, practically devoid of any kind of personal facts. In fact, this is a summary of the projects undertaken by the author – effectually a curriculum vitae. The book is graced with a foreword by M S Swaminathan.

The first few chapters of the book are biographical and tells about the author’s education in India and the US. On return, he joined the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, as a faculty along with his wife. This association (with IISc, of course!) lasted for 33 years till his retirement. Gadgil was very keen in field work unlike most of our established scientists. He initiated his career as a field anthropologist-cum-ecologist working on the sacred groves of Ambi Valley in Pune district, his home town. His greatest contributions came while working as a faculty at IISc, which the author says remains to this day the only place conducive to the serious pursuit of science in a free atmosphere and in the company of many bright and committed scientists. Gadgil developed contacts with the tallest political leaders soon after. He was a member of the small group of people invited by Indira Gandhi to discuss the modalities in setting up a new department of environment in her cabinet. What made the author controversial was his association with conservation of ecology in the Western Ghats. He chaired an expert panel to examine the status of the Western Ghats and recommend appropriate conservation and governance mechanisms in 2010. Unlike the other projects of the author, this book is silent on the recommendations of this committee. But we know that the panel submitted its report containing severe restrictions on economic life in the sensitive areas. Jairam Ramesh, who was more militant than a street activist as far as environment was concerned, was the minister who constituted the panel. But he found himself too big for his boots and was shunted out of the ministry. When the final report was submitted, the climate ‘changed’ and the government refused to accept its findings. Then it constituted another high-level committee headed by Kasturirangan to re-examine its findings. The new committee watered down the recommendations and the author alleges methodological faults in its working.

The author is wary of forest departments of all states in India. He is pessimistic about the officials, their policies and functioning. The book claims that village communities in the pre-British times maintained village woodlots and grazing lands in good condition. Britain had the distinction of wiping out its own forests and wildlife and abolishing community-based management well before any other country in the world. After 1857, the need of forest management was felt and the British half-heartedly copied some European methods. The powers of the forest department to subjugate the common people of India were enhanced by the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. This act criminalized hunting, which surprisingly Gadgil opposes, claiming that hunting for meat was very much a part of human evolution. However, this act criminalized the livelihood of many hunter-gatherer tribes. The human-wildlife conflict in the form of wild animals raiding human habitats is precipitated by this act. At this point, the author notes with relish that Kerala’s forest officials are much more upright and spoke to their superiors somewhat as equals. This was recorded in 1975 and says that he instantly fell in love with God’s own country (p.82)!

This book consistently argues that we have been implementing a system of passing on the benefits of development to those already well off and costs of development to the weak and the poor. This forms the basis of the author’s quite openly visible tendency to oppose and create obstacles to every developmental project on environmental lines. He even objected to the EIA study of the Konkan Railway alignment in Goa. The reason cited for this resistance was that the project would ‘merely protect vested interests, damage the environment, hurt the poor and divide the society’ (p.172). Did it? After several decades of the Railway’s successful operations and the revolution in transportation it had brought to India’s western coast, we can conclude with certainty that the author’s observations were wide off the mark. For some other projects, the role of Gadgil was to act as part of an arbitration on the desirability of a project which he usually used to scuttle. He served in the advisory committee set up by Indira Gandhi to scrutinize the Silent Valley hydel project in Kerala. The committee promptly decided to shelve it. The book includes a chapter on the Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad and its early leader M K Prasad, who were dead against the Silent Valley project. The author had a long and fruitful association with both. The author’s staunch objection is most vociferously directed against mining projects in the Deccan. However, his reasons for opposition to mining is laughable. He claims that mineral resources are non-renewable and cannot be replenished once they are exhausted. The value of these ores will only increase in future with mounting worldwide shortages of mineral resources and we lose nothing by not exploiting them in a great hurry (p.177).

Even though informative and providing guidance, it is to be suspected that the book might serve to radicalise young, impressionable minds on hard-line environmental activism. It addresses pollution in a big way and demands stringent rules. The logic is that if pollution is allowed to go unabated, the industry would make undue profits but remain inefficient in the global market. However, this legitimate concern turns very sensitive and intolerant even to minor offenses. Sound pollution from running trucks when they carry mined produce on the road and formation of waves in water bodies due to barge movements (p.309) are raised as big concerns the administration should address immediately. As an alternative, he suggests mining rights to be given to the local community with government’s financial support that should also be labour intensive. Can such ventures compete effectively in the market? As usual, economic viability is not a concern for the author. In the 1970s, the author and his wife Sulochana Phatak were among the very few Indian students at Harvard and MIT choosing to return to India. The reason he gives is a bit funny though: they did not want to further strengthen the white-supremacist American government by helping enhance its scientific abilities! There are some peculiar aspects of the author’s food habits which would surely amuse the readers. He was always willing to consume whatever his hosts ate. This was sometimes extended to strange preferences. Gadgil’s mother was raised on donkey’s milk as an infant because her six elder siblings had died within a week of birth. The author took inspiration from this and went to a donkey bazar near Pune and tasted fresh donkey’s milk. He claims that it was pretty good (p.344). On some other subjects, the book demands unnecessary secrecy in what should have been open knowledge. Government rules on People’s Biodiversity Register stipulate that the knowledge be made public. This is opposed on the flimsy pretence that ‘the communities may not wish to make public the knowledge of the medicinal use and properties of biological resources’ (p.230). His real concern is that pharma companies may utilize them.

The harsh wildlife protection act is causing animal numbers to go up considerably, leading to attacks on human habitats on the fringes of forests. The stringency of the act was conceptualized by urban nature conservationists who are alienated from the common villager and having an elite mindset. The author notes that even Salim Ali shared this prejudice. The system criminalizing activities in wildlife parks was set in place by Ali and some maharajas of erstwhile native states who were entrusted by Nehru to formulate rules on wildlife in the 1950s. Mainly because hunting is banned for almost half a century and animal numbers have greatly increased which lead to raids on farmland and conflict with people, Gadgil boldly suggests legalization of hunting on a limited scale as in Sweden where wildlife is deemed a renewable resource that should be managed through regulated systematic hunting while consuming the meat and utilizing other products of economic value such as hides or antlers. No country other than India bans hunting outside national parks or wildlife sanctuaries except for endangered species. Since the author is much interested in anthropology, we get to know some interesting facts as well. A study under the well-known Harvard leader of human population genetics Cavalli-Sforza found that there was a large overlap of genetic makeup of two groups from Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka, namely the Brahmin Haviks and Dalit Mukris (p.47). The study found that it is impossible to assign any particular individual with certainty to one or the other group. All talk of any one caste group in India being genetically different or superior to others is just nonsense.

Each chapter in the book begins with a short poem of four or five rhyming lines, related to the topic which is discussed in that chapter. Nothing is mentioned about their authorship, but it’s possible that Gadgil himself has penned these lines. The book is somewhat large with around 400 pages that focuses on technical aspects on ecological conservation that demands readers’ unwavering attention. It includes long explanations involving technical terms about the projects coordinated or assisted by the author while at IISc. This becomes a trying experience for ordinary readers after some time. In one such instance, the book lists out 21 problems specific to the Chilika lake in Odisha along with solutions proposed by the local people. Such elaborations are frequent and tiresome for the readers.

The book is recommended.

[Sonali Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autobiography -Travelogue-Factual 👐what more do I say?

I picked up an autobiography after 4-5 years I guess, and I am so happy it turned out to be better than my expectations.

A walk up the hill isn't a normal kind of autobiography. It tells a lot more about flora and fauna, the environment and surroundings around.

The book is written by the ecologist and anthropologist himself - Madhav Gadgil. The book has all- storytelling, chirps of birds, rhymes of baby animals, bliss of nature!

Modern say environmental problems are complex than they seem. When I said the book is fact based, I meant this.

It tries to offer solution to modern day problems around environment and surroundings! I feel it is a high time to take forward a step to be self aware and how we as humans impact the nature and it's habitats.

I am liking how I have learnt something new at every page that unfolds the secret towards nature, taking me more closer to the cradle of Nature:)

[Avishek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diving into Madhav Gadgil's "A Walk Up the Hill" is like embarking on a journey across the diverse and complex terrain of environmental management in India, guided by an expert who has walked the path. Gadgil, an esteemed anthropologist and field ecologist, brings to the table not just his knowledge, but a rich tapestry of experiences spanning the entire country.

The book stands out for its meticulous attention to the nitty-gritty of environmental management. Gadgil's ground-level insights offer a rare and realistic glimpse into the workings of this sector in India. He doesn't just stick to the surface; he digs deep, unearthing the shortcomings and vested interests that often hinder the path to effective environmental stewardship.

But it's not all about the challenges and obstacles. Gadgil also celebrates the success stories, particularly those where local communities and bodies take the reins of biosphere management. These examples shine as beacons of hope, demonstrating how empowering local communities can lead to sustainable and effective environmental solutions.

Gadgil's narrative spans the length and breadth of India, enriched by his personal experiences in ecological management. This panoramic view is both enlightening and engaging, painting a vivid picture of the varied landscapes and the unique environmental challenges each region presents.

As you reach the concluding chapter, there's a noticeable shift in tone. Gadgil wraps up with a message of hope, a call to the "welcome" generation to step up and make a difference. This chapter is a masterful ending to the book, leaving readers with a sense of optimism and a call to action for a better, more sustainable future.

Interestingly, the book steers clear of portraying Gadgil's life as a tale of inspiration. Instead, it remains a transparent account of his experiences in academia, public policy, research, and his interactions with people at the grassroots level. This approach adds to the authenticity of the narrative, making it relatable and genuine.

In summary, "A Walk Up the Hill" is more than just an autobiography; it's a profound reflection on environmental management in India, told through the eyes of someone who has been deeply involved in the field. It's a compelling read for anyone interested in understanding the realities of environmental conservation in India, offering a blend of critical insights, success stories, and a hopeful vision for the future. It's casual yet informative, deep yet accessible, making it a perfect companion for anyone who cares about our planet and the delicate balance we need to maintain with our natural surroundings.

[bookswithchaipai · Rating 4 out of 5]

A WALK UP THE HILL - Living with people and nature - Madhav Gadgil
Genre - Nonfiction, Environmental studies, Conservation

My most cherished moment of the day is when the air is filled with birdsong, and an exquisite silence reigns, allowing the gentle rustling of leaves to become a sweet symphony of its own.

In those moments, a profound sense of belonging envelops me, like a warm embrace from the Earth itself. It's a reminder that, amidst the chaos of life, there is a sanctuary in nature—a sanctuary where the heart finds its truest solace.

But, if you dare to imagine, there may come a time when humanity's insatiable appetite for progress extracts a steep price from the very source of our tranquility.

Gadgil, an itinerant traveller, has applied research in collaboration with tribals, farmers and fisherfolk by living among them and trying to make a difference in the world. And his findings are a treasure trove of knowledge which he has bared to us through this book.

In this book he has elucidated various Environmental problems and how to tackle them. Also he has explained how man can interfere with nature through poaching, farming, pesticides and has thrown light on measures that can be taken to slow down deforestation.

If you are one of those who care for the environment and want to leave a better place for our descendants, then this book is of a revelatory nature throwing light on a vast number of subjects.

[Mili Das · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a magnificently crafted biography with gorgeous natural setting. It's not just a biography, it's a little chest of treasure. It is a superb blend of his biography and the research work of his life.
Madhav Gadgil was born in Pune in 1942, student of Ecology and evolutionary biology.
Author spills knowledge and his research work on ecology, anthropology, in between his life journey and milestones. His life and experiences blended with his knowledge.
His love for nature, earth, humanity, painstakingly embedded here with lucid narrative.
This book constantly explore history of India's forest, wildlife and understanding how government worker works, some truths may feel uneasy and stir our minds. Surely the narration waved in academical style but it's written in easy language that helps readers to ensure engagement throughout the journey.
Author perfectly balanced the academic language with candid description of his jungle safari that can give you a sense of virtual tour in nature.
I loved his Neutral narrative on hunters and nomadic life.
A must have book for your book shelf.

[Craartology · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading beyond my comfort zone has always led to discoveries about the world that portray a reality, I’ve overlooked with or without reason. Memoirs have been such “beyond the comfort zone” insightful reads.

Padma Bhushan awardee Madhav Gadgil’s A Walk Up The Hill: Living With People And Nature is a life story that is impacted by nature through and through. The author has led an inspiring life dedicated to environmental causes, understanding behaviours of tribal communities with respect to nature, working towards protecting and conserving the environment while trying to achieve a balance between ecological and economic strains on nature and mankind.

This beautifully written memoir is nostalgic and warm describing the beauty of India’s natural verdure. This book is a reminder to preserve what’s left and to nurture an attitude of co-existence that’s comfortable and stable for man and nature. What I loved the most is the brilliant list of books, magazines and articles one comes across while reading this memoir.

You must read this book for its simple writing, relevance and knowledge that one derives through the experiences of the author.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Aparna Prabhu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book chronicles his life as a member of a thriving scientific community while living among fishermen on the west coast, horticulturists on the Western Ghats, and tribal people in Manipur and Maharashtra. An illustrious career as one of India’s leading researchers in the fields of ecology and environment, but more importantly, his thinking has been combined with action on environmental and ecological security in the service of humanity.

Not only is Madhav Gadgil one of the best ecologists in India, but he has also had an exceptionally interesting life, interacting closely with Indians from all walks of life and socioeconomic classes. His journey in this book that vividly depicts his insights, enthusiasm and commitment to improve the livelihoods of people keeping in mind concerns around environmental sustainability.

A scientist with a sharp social conscience and a level-headed viewpoint, he skillfully blends empathetic portrayals of rural communities living near to nature with eloquent evaluations of his scientific work.

[KrisBookishLife · Rating 4 out of 5]

From raising concerns about the actual use and value of environmental legislation, to understanding how to exist with wildlife and become more sustainable, A Walk Up The Hill is a book that raises questions and focuses on how we can find answers. One of the most important things I learnt from this book is that blanket laws do nothing and are impossible to follow completely. The laws for environment need to be tailored and specific to the areas relevant.

The book also gives us examples of what some individuals in India have managed to achieve, various local movements that have been essential to conservation and the efforts of people like Salim Ali who have helped create a better India. This book is not a fantasy or some reminiscence of living with nature - it is an account of what has already been done and what can be done! Something I feel everyone should read to understand more about how we live with nature!

[Bindu · Rating 5 out of 5]

🅱🅾🅾🅺 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆

𝑨 𝑾𝒂𝒍𝒌 𝑼𝒑 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒊𝒍𝒍: 𝑳𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑷𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆

#QOTD: What was your last read?

#AOTD: The Monk's Alamanac.


This book is an account of his life walking up and down the country's hills and dales, watching peacocks dance and elephants prance, living among fisherfolk on the west coast, horticulturists on Western Ghats, and the tribals of Manipur and Maharashtra, all the while being a part of a vibrant scientific community.

This book is an account of Madhav Gadgil account who is an Padam Awardee who has described India's beauty in such a magnificent manner. Though this book for sure the out of zone for a memoir but the way he has worked for the bio diversity that is indeed exceptional. The book talks about various spheres of his life and how those experiences have shaped his life.

The book also serves as a reminder to the public to save the nature earth.

Indeed a different read for sure.


#bookwormbindz #reviewwithbindu #readwithbindu

[Chittajit Mitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Walk Up The Hill lets us into the inspiring life of ecologist and author Madhav Gadgil. A Padma awardee, his work has inspired real life changes in biodiversity laws. What makes him unique is his nuanced understanding of the environment and its intersections with the social realities of India. He has been working relentlessly on the People’s Biodiversity Register which collates information that is sourced locally regarding the treatment that a biodiversity needs to sustain. This book helps the reader to grasp the importance of his work especially today when pollutants have become an inherent part of our lives.

[Rutuja Ramteke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful journey through the eyes of the most
amazing observer and nature lover, an enchanting read
that took me closer to nature and I absolutely enjoyed
every bit of it, it's naturally beautiful and engaging!
I loved the descriptions and the way it's written is worth
admiring! The author has a great connection with
nature and his conversations with the nature are
conveyed through this book! Go for it.