The Curse of the Sickle
Forest dwellers are nature’s children, and one expects them to be happy and hardy. This, alas, is not always the case. One prime example are the Soligas of BR Hills in southern Karnataka. Their traditions and life-style that should ensure their sound health also contribute to the prevalence of a deadly disorder known as sickle cell anaemia. The prime causative factor of the prevalence of this disorder is the tribals strong tendency to marry within the tribe. In this brief study, young researcher and photojournalist Shravan Regret Iyer gathers information on other factors that contribute to the disease. The result is a sneak peek into the Soligas’ lifestyle, beliefs, traditions, and customs. The book also sketches the pressure exerted on the tribals’ way of life by officialdom and the role of NGOs in striking a balance between their age-old way of life and the succor that modern medicine can offer.
Natural Quest
The natural world is full of extraordinary animals with amazing life histories. Yet, certain stories are more intriguing and heartbreaking than most. The mysteries of a frog’s life cycle, or the strange biology of the firefly. Some of these creatures have been surrounded by myths for a very long time, while others have only recently revealed their secrets. These are the animals that stand out from the crowd. The stories I find most fascinating and terrifying of all.
EXPLORER, SOUTH INDIA
Shravan Regret Iyer, a multimedia journalist and filmmaker, travels across the southern Indian states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala in search of unexplored and hidden destinations.
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