Shantaveeriah, our dedicated veteran beekeeper, developed strong connections with influential figures in the Karnataka Forest Department over the years, notably with Mr. Shreedhar Punati, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of the Forest Force. Under Mr. Punati's guidance, Shantaveeriah played a crucial role in introducing beekeeping as a part of the Sustainable Community Plantation and Protection Scheme Program (SCPPSP) within the Forest Department. This program specifically aimed to benefit SC and ST communities by providing them with sustainable livelihoods, with beekeeping becoming a key component of this initiative.
Shantaveeriah recalled how Mr. Shreedhar Punati visited the Madhuvana beekeeping site, where he explained every aspect of beekeeping, from hive management to honey harvesting. Deeply impressed by the depth of knowledge and practical insights offered by Shantaveeriah, Mr. Punati took a personal interest in beekeeping. With Shantaveeriah’s guidance, Mr. Punati installed two bee boxes in his own home, and to this day, continues to cultivate bees as a meaningful practice.
Beekeeping, as Shantaveeriah points out, has become a habit for many individuals who show a genuine interest in it. His mentorship and support have helped people from all walks of life adopt beekeeping as a sustainable and rewarding endeavor. One such individual was Ajay Mishra, the PCCF of Wildlife, who also expressed interest in the world of bees. Another connection was with Sadashivayya, whom Shantaveeriah met accidentally at the Punyabhoomi Jeevika Mela. This meeting blossomed into a friendship, and after witnessing Shantaveeriah’s dedication and contributions, Sadashivayya invited him to become a lifetime member of his NGO, the Indian Association for Forest and Tribal Development (IAFT).
The bond between Sadashivayya and Shantaveeriah grew even stronger when Shantaveeriah visited Sadashivayya’s home, where they camped for three days. During this time, Shantaveeriah introduced his friend to the intricate world of beekeeping, setting up bee boxes and providing hands-on training to ensure that he could continue the practice long after Shantaveeriah’s visit. This exchange not only deepened their friendship but also reinforced Shantaveeriah’s mission of spreading the art and science of beekeeping to as many people as possible.
Author's Deep Connection with the Forest Department
From Shantaveeriah’s point of view, his connection with the Karnataka Forest Department has been a deeply fulfilling part of his career. His interactions with officers like Mr. Shreedhar Punati and Mr. Ajay Mishra weren’t just limited to formal engagements; they evolved into partnerships that fostered sustainable practices throughout the forested areas of Karnataka. By integrating beekeeping into the forest conservation and protection efforts, Shantaveeriah helped create a bridge between ecological preservation and community development.
One of the key reasons why Shantaveeriah developed such a deep connection with the Forest Department was his belief that beekeeping could play a vital role in supporting forest ecosystems. The bees themselves act as natural pollinators, ensuring the health and biodiversity of forested regions, while also providing communities with a sustainable livelihood that does not require deforestation or other harmful practices. This alignment of environmental conservation with human development resonated with the objectives of the Forest Department, making Shantaveeriah a valuable partner in their initiatives.
His relationship with figures like Mr. Shreedhar Punati grew out of a shared vision for sustainable development. For Shantaveeriah, this partnership was not just about teaching the technicalities of beekeeping but about showing the potential of beekeeping as a tool for environmental and social change. His deep understanding of how bees contribute to forest health made him a key advisor to the Forest Department in their efforts to integrate sustainable practices into their conservation programs.
The bond with the Forest Department also extended into personal friendships, such as the one with Sadashivayya. Through these connections, Shantaveeriah was able to build networks of support for beekeeping that spanned from government agencies to NGOs. His involvement with the IAFT, for instance, allowed him to further his mission of empowering SC/ST communities through beekeeping. By becoming a lifetime member of Sadashivayya’s NGO, he solidified his commitment to using beekeeping as a means of promoting rural livelihoods, especially in underprivileged communities.
In the end, Shantaveeriah’s connection with the Forest Department reflects his broader philosophy of working hand in hand with nature and institutions to bring about positive change. His work has not only benefited the forests of Karnataka but has also left a lasting impact on the lives of the people who depend on them. Through beekeeping, Shantaveeriah has shown that sustainable practices can nurture both the environment and the communities that live within it.