A Day of Inspiration: Meeting Forest Luminaries Dr. Atul Kumar Gupta and Mr. M.P. Singh

In the realm of forestry, yesterday was etched as an unforgettable day for us, budding forest officers. We were graced by the presence of two luminaries – Dr. Atul Kumar Gupta and Mr. M.P. Singh – stalwarts whose insights and experiences painted a vivid picture of the roles we are poised to undertake.

By a stroke of serendipity, I found myself representing our entire SFS batch in felicitating Dr. Atul Kumar Gupta. The rotation of this honor began with me on this tour.



A retired IFS officer of the Indian Forest Service, Gupta's career spanned 36 years, culminating in his role as the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Forest Department, Government of Tripura. His service included a decade as the Chief Wildlife Warden, Tripura; over a decade as Member Secretary, Tripura Biodiversity Board; and leadership roles in various projects, including the Indo-German Project on Natural Resource Management & Poverty Alleviation. Dr. Gupta's academic prowess, with a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, reflects his commitment to both fieldwork and intellectual pursuits. His multifaceted achievements, from wildlife conservation to academia, set a high bar for aspiring Forest Officers. His plea to us, to act as dedicated forest managers for the ever-expanding forest resources, resonated deeply. Regarding our program at the University, Dr. Gupta acknowledged the diverse disciplines TDU excels in, from Ayurveda-Biology to Data Sciences. He left us with a metaphor – having tasted many sweets, it's now our choice which ones to savor in the future. In the latter part of the day, we encountered another luminary – Mr. M.P. Singh, the Director of the Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Bangalore. Before his current role, Mr. Singh served as the Director of Forest Education. An hour spent with him was a treasure trove of wisdom, marked by his humorous and insightful communication in Bihari dialect.



After meeting IGNFA Director Bharat Jyoti Sir and now Mr. M.P. Singh, we can attest to the unique warmth that emanates from Bihar. Their affectionate treatment of trainee officers like us leaves an enduring mark. Mr. M.P. Singh's role in drafting the country's new working plan code, while noteworthy, stirred mixed feelings among some trainees during his hour-long class. The interactive session, reminiscent of school days, had a distinct purpose, though not universally appreciated. As we carry the flavor of this experience into our future careers, the wisdom imparted by these esteemed figures will undoubtedly guide our path.

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