I was in Mumbai last week and when heard about his illness went and met him at his residence at Sion. I could not see any obvious signs of illeness on his face or attitude. He casually told me that doctors had dignosied cancer which was at advance stage. He told me smilingly that he had lived life fully and happily and wished to pass away also happily. Mrs. Daniel was listening to our conversation smilingly and mentioned that Daniel was 85 years old and had been active till a few days ago. I admired the courage and boldness of the couple in confronting the reality. We exchanged a few nostalgic memories of old days at BNHS and our various activities together. He looked tired after a while and I left wondering whether I would meet him again since I was to return to Bengaluru next day.. I was in touch with the family and when he was moved to the hospital on Sunday, I was worried that the end may be nearer. When his son called me this morning to inform me about the sad news, I could only say that this is the end of an Era in BNHS.
My association and active participation in the BNHS is because of Mr. Daniel. Way back in 1975 I read a letter written by Daniel, then Curator of the BNHS, in Times of India about the activities at the BNHS. At that juncture, I was also looking for some institute where I could learn botany in an informal way. I went to the Hornbill House (BNHS HQ) next day and met Daniel who was so cordial and warm that I liked him at the first instant. He listened to my interests and rather than pushing forward a membership form, he asked me whether I would like to join a short study expedition scheduled next week to survey Godavari River basin right from the source. I was more than thrilled, agreed immediately and participated in the most wonderful study expedition along with a few stalwarts in various field. I got my first lessons in the field botany from Dr. Almadi, bird watching lessons from Hussain and overall natural history exposure through Daniel during those seven days. Our expedition ended at Madhameshwar - Bharatpur of Maharashtra and my long journey with the BNHS began there and then. This incident tells about Daniel's wonderful ways to encourage and involve even amateurs in the study of natural history and conservation. He attracted several nature lovers to the BNHS and subtly transformed them into scientists or conservationists. Those were the ethos of the BNHS that time.
I remember the activities like monthly Bird Count at the Borivali National Park, Leopard Study etc. wherein Daniel would initiate many new comers to participate and the help them graduate to become serious bird watchers / naturalists. Looking at my interests in Mountaineering and Trekking he encouraged me to lead field outings for the BNHS members to difficult regions. These members' outings became very popular over the years. He also encouraged members to share their field observations / experiences through talks / slide shows at the Hornbill House. He encouraged me and other interested members to widen the scope of Nature Education activities. Many of us learnt a lot through this process and Daniel was always there to help and guide. I feel that this is the most important achievement of Mr. Daniel. He subtly created a generation of young nature lovers and scientists using BNHS platform.
He, of course, has several scientific achievements to his credit. His enormous number of research papers and books speak volumes about his dedication to the field. In addition to this he was an excellent administrator and task master and looked after the BNHS for many years as Curator, Director and Honorary Secretary. I was fortunate to work with him when he was the Director and I was the Honorary Secretary. We could achieve many innovative programmes in those days and I cherish those days even today. Daniel's enthusiasm and drive was at its peak during the Centenary Year (1993) of the BNHS and apart from the main celebrations several activities were carried out throughout that year.
Daniel was so involved and engrossed in the field research, natural history and more so in the BNHS throughout his life that he practically had no other life. He confessed the same to me when he retired as the Director. And obviously contiuned his contribution, involvement in the BNHS subsequently as Executive Committee Member, Honorary Secretary, Vice-President. The most honourable achievement was being the editor the Journal of the BNHS consistently over the years and his dedication to the publications.
We are all going to miss Daniel.
An ERA at the BNHS ended yesterday!
Our deepest condolences to the family, friends, nature lovers and BNHS members who had been his silent admirers throughout.
Prof. Ulhas Rane
Director
Envirodesigners Pvt. Ltd (Formerly 'The Designers')
'Brindavan', 227, Rajmahal Vilas Extn. II
HIG Colony, First Main Road
Bengaluru - 560 094
Phone: 080-23417283
Cell: 09448149236
Email: ulhas@envirodesigners.com, ulhasrane@gmail.com
Web: www.envirodesigners.com
