DAULAT SINGH’S encounter with the ‘Big Cat’
Even multiple tiger attacks didn’t take away the fighting spirit of Daulat Singh Shaktawat – a forest officer, who has set uncountable examples of courage and bravery.
While revealing certain behavioural traits of the charming animal, Singh, during a conversation, talked about his affinity towards the wild beast. “Ironically, this wild beast is a solitude loving calm creature unless you disturb him,” mentions the author of a recently released book namely, ‘My encounter with the big cat and other adventures in Ranthambhore.’
“Many people are unaware of the fact that tigers have a natural instinct of moving towards the forest. If you don’t disturb them, there is no possibility of an attack. All the past incidences proves that every time a tiger went violent, it was the people who surrounded him thereby provoking a mishap,” he further added.
Daulat Singh Shaktawat served the country as an Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) for 20 years. Though he holds a great experience in dealing with tigers, he couldn’t save himself from a deadly attack which ultimately led to the loss of his eye. After he was discharged from the hospital, Singh went on for his job with the same enthusiasm. But what motivates him to keep moving without any fear? He calls it the ‘bond’
that he shares with tigers. “I have spent 20 years of my life with them. If you are continuously involved with a person, thing or animal, it’s natural to get attached. Since I have spent about half my life with them, they are a habit for me. No matter how worse the situations were at a point, I still can’t imagine my life without them,” he added. Looking at such a low count of the tigers, it’s a situation of dilemma where saving one’s life without killing the animal is quite difficult. Answering the inquisitive minds, Singh said, “Firstly, I would like to clear a misunderstanding that says the population of tigers is decreasing. It’s not the case. The tiger saving project that was started in 1973 worked well. Else we would not have been able to spot a single tiger today. Secondly, situations worsen only if the animal moves outside the forest periphery, else it’s easy to control them using a tranquilizer.”
The book published under the banner of ‘Niyogi books’ is the first set of experience that he has shared. “I wanted to share my thoughts and experiences with people about the same. Because I have a lot other memories to share, I will continue on to write about my journey and my experiences with other animals.”