Forever Tigers at Rencha - Page 3
by Gideon Egger

Children elephant back. The park ranger is on the left with the white mustache.
© Gideon Egger 2004. Taken February 2004

The children were excited but a bit apprehensive about climbing from the Maruti jeeps onto the elephant's back. None of them had ever ridden an elephant before and none of them had ever seen a tiger. Ram Charan helped the children climb on and off and was very patient and helpful. The children too were very respectful and well behaved. Our group even drew the interest of the Bandhavgarh Park ranger; he came over to have a look and make sure that everything went smoothly. Everyone, (including the tigress) did their best to make our trip successful, but Sudarshani did become a bit grumpy after five or six trips.

Off to see the tigress.
© Gideon Egger 2004. Taken February 2004

When they headed into the brush they almost all looked somewhat nervous, but when they returned after seeing the tigress they were all smiling and laughing. Every one of the eighty-two children and their teachers got to ride the elephant, and every one of them got to see the tigress. The trip was a terrific success.

The Banbai tigress. Note the distended belly, full of wild boar.
 © Gideon Egger 2004. Taken February 2004

After we left the park, Dhruv brought the children to his lodge Churhat Kothi, and they were each given a small pastry. The children were remarkably well behaved, waiting for each to be served before beginning to eat.

The children at Churhat Kothi.
© Gideon Egger 2004. Taken February 2004

The next day Dhruv and I returned to the school to see the children study and have lunch. They were having a lesson on the lawn in front of their schoolhouse.

Kids studying in the yard in front of their school.
© Gideon Egger 2004. Taken February 2004

Thechildren greeted us cheerfully and proudly displayed their tablets on which they had written out the varnamala (the Hindi alphabet). I took several pictures of the tablets, but as more and more children brought their tablets forward, it was impossible to fit them all in one shot.

© 2004 Forever Tigers
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