Interview Summary
Pradeep Krishen discusses his journey in documenting central India’s jungle trees, transitioning from his book Trees of Delhi: A Field Guide to Jungle Trees of Central India: A Field Guide for Tree Spotters. He details his extensive field trips and challenges in exploring vast, ecologically diverse landscapes, noting the impact of colonial forestry practices. He also reflects on improving his photographic and documentation techniques.
He highlights the limited impact of his work on government agencies despite increased public awareness, tree walks inspired by his books, and the success of Trees of Delhi. He shares insights into his involvement in the Central Vista redevelopment project, expressing satisfaction with some contributions but noting resistance to others.
Krishen critiques government policies and restoration efforts, emphasising the importance of native species and independent work. He reflects on personal influences, including his family and professional privileges, while maintaining hope for meaningful restoration and conservation practices.
(00:00:35) Exploring Central India’s jungle trees and discoveries during research
(00:08:08) Photographic skills and writing Jungle Trees of Central India: A Field Guide for Tree Spotters
(00:12:00) Other writing projects
(00:15:15) Central Ridge and trees in Delhi
(00:17:36) Impact of Krishen’s work on official agencies and departments
(00:26:02) Change in people’s attitudes towards trees and the environment and reflections on the impact of Trees of Delhi: A Field Guide
(00:30:00) Role in Central Vista Redevelopment Project
(00:39:44) Krishen’s daughters and personal reflections
(00:47:01) Community of restoration practitioners in India and government policy and scepticism
(00:55:30) Religion and cultural beliefs, accomplishment Krishen is most proud of and his regrets
Dates
- Creation: 2023-06-29
Creator
- Krishen, Pradip (Interviewee, Person)
- Venkatram, Preeti Shree (Interviewer, Person)
- Venkatram, Preeti Shree (Processing Archivist, Person)
Conditions Governing Access
Level of Access: Open/Online
Biography
Born in New Delhi 1949, Pradip Krishen is a well-known Indian filmmaker and environmentalist. He did his schooling in Nairobi, New Delhi and Ajmer and went on to study history at St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, and modern history at Balliol College, University of Oxford.
He began his career as a professor at Ramjas College, University of Delhi. However, his fascination with cinema led him to transition to filmmaking in 1975, emerging as a prominent figure in India’s parallel cinema movement. He went on to direct three award-winning acclaimed feature films- Massey Sahib (1985), In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones (1989), and Electric Moon (1991).
Despite his cinematic success, disillusionment with industry challenges prompted him to leave filmmaking and in 1993, Krishen shifted focus to field botany and ecological restoration. Starting in the Pachmarhi jungles in Madhya Pradesh, he immersed himself in identifying trees, later documenting Delhi’s flora and leading public tree walks. A pioneer in ecological gardening, Krishen spearheaded projects like the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, and the Kishan Bagh sand dune restoration in Jaipur, opened as a public park in 2021.
Krishen’s books, including the bestseller Trees of Delhi: A Field Guide (2006), Jungle Trees of Central India: A Field Guide for Tree Spotters (2014), and Abha Mahal Bagh: A Garden of Wild Plants from the Thar Desert (2019), are celebrated for their accessible approach to India’s ecology.
His work continues with projects like creating a wildflower meadow in Gwalior and riverbank restoration on the Chambal River, combining science with sustainability.
Extent
60 Minutes
Language of Materials
English
Repository Details
Part of the Archives at NCBS Repository
National Centre for Biological Sciences - Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
Bangalore Karnataka 560065 India
+9180 6717 6010
+9180 6717 6011
archives@ncbs.res.in