2021
Ashoka University‘s Archives’ team from Delhi to collect Raza H. Tehsin’s lifetime of works in wildlife research and conservation – his fieldnotes, diaries, correspondences, research papers, audio visuals, press cuttings, books – to archive and digitise them for scholars and naturalists worldwide for posterity.
Director Deepa Bhatnagar, Assistant Director Ravin Kumar and Archivist Deepshika. Initiated by wildlife historian Raza Kazmi. Dr. Tehsin’s works suggested by Dr. MK Ranjitsinh ji, conservationist and author of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
THE TIMES OF INDIA:
2020
THE STATESMAN (31st July 2018)
Interview on Channel 24 on Save Gulab Bagh campaign:
Real Life Hero of Udaipur – Udaipur Times
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Raza H. Tehsin, a household name in this region, is the initiator of Wildlife conservation movement inSouthern Rajasthan. Son of a renowned shikari T. H. Tehsin, one of the earliest big game hunters turned conservationist ofIndia, Raza grew up seeing jungles and animals around him. His father’s monopoly of arms and ammunition business in Mewar and his passion for hunting kept Raza in the forests for long periods of time since he was a child. This not only brought him close to Nature but also increased his knowledge of indigenous herbs and medicines.
For the past 40 years, Raza has been giving an indigenous treatment to people affected Leucoderma/Vitiligo: www.leucodermatreatment.in
RAZA AND WIDLIFE
Fondly known as the Vasco de Gama of Udaipur jungles, Raza has traversed most of the southern Rajasthan forests on foot. In the post-independence era, he started taking care of the family’s extensive mining operations in the forested hills and valleys around Udaipur. He stayed for years at end, alone, in uninhabited jungles of the Aravali hill ranges. Witnessing the rampant destruction of forests and wildlife with the spread of human population and commercial poaching, this jungle lover shed his weapons and started a crusade for wildlife protection and conservation.
FIRST REPORTINGS, PIONEERING RESEARCHES AND CAMPAIGNS
He has since then been instrumental in the establishment of game sanctuaries like Phulwari-Ki-Nal, Sitamata & Sajjangarh and has reported for the first time around 14 species from this region, as well as India like Flying Squirrel, Mouse Deer, Snow Trout Fish, Albino Common Mongoose, Rusty Spotted Cat, Albino Mongoose, Albino Squirrel, Lesser Flamingos, Baikal Teal, Three-Toed Kingfisher, White Bellied Miniwit, White Eared Bulbul, Green Heron, Flat Worm and Bittern Bird. He has pioneered many works and campaigns like protection of a 400-year-old Kalp Vriksh (Adinsonia digitata) during the extension of Government hospital building. He is one of the early naturalists of India to study the effects of Solar Eclipse on fauna. He drew public attention to the free export of frogs, which prevent malaria. It resulted in its ban by the Govt. of Rajasthan & curb of its export by the Govt. of India. He demanded a ban on the slaughter of Jackals highlighting their role as scavengers, which resulted in the up-gradation of this animal to Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. He observed Lunar Tides in Bhim Kund (a fresh water pool) in Banswara District. In a landmark achievement he convinced the tribals aroundUdaipur to leave the practice of Mass Hunting – ‘Aida’. He has also been one of the first to raise his voice about the declining vulture population.
He has provided research guidance and project assistance to students not only fromIndia but from other countries as well.
PUBLICATIONS:
Raza Tehsin is synonymous with wildlife conservation in Rajasthan. He has authored more than 60 research notes and papers in International and National journals like Tiger Paper (issued by United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation), Journal of Bombay Natural History Society, Cheetal, Zoo’s Print Journal, Newsletter for Birdwatcher, Indian Forester, Hornbill.
Raza’s articles have appeared in Books like Environmental Studies book of NCERT (Central Board syllabus for schools in India), Man Now Competes With Scavengers and Shikari Shikar Jungle Se Pyar (Hindi) and Magazines like Dharamyug and Mystic India.
BOOKS
- Tales from the Wild co-authored by Arefa Tehsin (Publisher: Unicorn, an imprint of Pustak Mahal)
Animal life cycles and facts about conservation and wildlife are weaved into tales of quest, adventure and mythology. - The Land of the Setting Sun and Other Nature Tales Co-authored by Arefa Tehsin (Publisher: TERI Press) Animal life cycles and facts about conservation and wildlife are weaved into tales of quest, adventure and mythology.
- Do Tigers Drink Blood & 13 Other Mysteries of Nature (Publisher: Red Turtle, an imprint of Rupa & Co.) A non-fiction fun book for children on mysteries of nature.
- Steed of Jungle God with Arefa Tehsin (Publisher: National Book Trust) Dr. Raza H. Tehsin’s 70+ years of experiences in the Mewar jungles and with its wildlife, tribes and culture.
PRINT MEDIA AND TELEVISION
Hundreds of news articles, news items, features and his interviews have appeared in national and regional newspapers like The Times of India, The Hindustan Times,Hindustan, Indian Express, The Statesman, Pioneer, The Patriot, Dainik Navjyoti, Rajasthan Patrika, Dainik Bhaskar, Nai Duniya, Jansatta, Northern India Patrika, Pratah Kaal, Jai Rajasthan, Rashtradoot, Angad, Daily Bombay, Deccan Chronicle, Udaipur Express and Pratidin.
He keeps appearing on talk shows on TV and radio channels and has been covered by TV channels like National Geographic, India TV, Star News, ETV and Channel 24.
SURVEYS AND RECORDS
Raza has done faunal surveys of areas like Sitamata Sanctuary, Chanderiya (1990), Rampura Agoocha Mines (1988), Jawar Mines (1987), Matoon Mines (1987) and Rajpura Dariba Mines (1987).
A pioneering survey to ascertain the Most Beautiful Tree of India was led by him. He is also the compiler of the checklist of birds of Southern Rajasthan.
Limca Book of Records (1996) carries his name for a survey conducted by him to ascertain the quantity of spit being spat by tobacco chewers inIndia every year.
Environment and natural studies scholars, as well as nature enthusiasts from different fields and professions come to him for guidance not only fromIndia, but from all over the world.
MEMBERSHIPS
Raza is a Member of Tiger Conservation Foundation, Government of Rajasthan, Member of Zoo Advisory Committee, Udaipur, Life Member of Bombay Natural History Society – Mumbai, WWF – India, Wildlife Preservation Society of India, Dehra Dun and Former Member – The Advisory Board of Wildlife, Government of Rajasthan.
AWARDS
- Honorary Ph. D. by Jyotish Mahavidyalaya, Roorkee.
- Honorary Wildlife Warden, Udaipur District, Dept. of Forest, Govt. of Rajasthan.
- Honorary Membership, Wildlife Conservation Society of India, Ajmer
- Executive Member, Udaipur Chapter of WWF, Udaipur (Rtd.)
Some Praises of Raza and his Works:
“I know of no one who single handedly and single mindedly, without looking for reward or recognition has, for decades, been so devoted in the love of Nature, its variety and to wildlife protection.”
– Prof. Jagat Singh Mehta, Former Foreign Secretary, Govt. ofIndia, Former Member, National Executive of WWF (India), President Emeritus, Vidya Bhavan Society, Udaipur
“It was obvious to both of us that you are more conversant with conservation problems inIndiathan most of the people we met. We are more than pleased to write to your government or its departments or to get Members of Parliament fromEnglandto do that if you think it would help.”
– W. J. Jordan, Director and Robert Walker, Chairman – People’s Trust for Endangered Species,Surrey, U.K.
“I am grateful to you for alerting us to this idea for an inaugural entry in the Guinness Book of Records.”
– Ian R. Smith, Assistant Editor, Guinness Book of Records
“A born naturalist, Dr. Raza Tehsin has been passionate about the natural world from his younger days in a manner that is indeed uncommon and commendable. This book will surely be a very valuable compilation containing a wealth of information as well as the unusual insights of a remarkable person who stands in a class of his own.”
– Shri Samar Singh Dungarpur, Ex-Secretary, Govt. ofIndia and Ex- General Secretary, WWF- India
“My encounter with you gave me hope and a positive perspective ofIndia. The work you are doing not only helps the people ofUdaipur, Rajasthan andIndiabut the whole world.”
– Henry M. Shenkman, Naturalist,U.S.A.
“We may seek an opportunity to arrange your visits for field observations both inIndiaandIran. Your concern to a deep understanding of the tribal communities as specific cultural entities is much appreciated.”
– Ali Ghanbary, The Secretary, High Council for Tribal Affairs, Prime Minister’s Office, Iran.
“We thank you for your letter dated20 December 1985along with your interesting note on a sample survey conducted by you “In India Tobacco Chewers Spit 1.564 million tones per annum”
– Habibuz Zaman, Regional Advisor on Non-Communicable Diseases for Regional Director, World Heath Organization
“I’ve seen your rather touching and very interesting account in Vol. 40 of Newsletter for Birdwatchers (Nov-Dec) 2000 on ‘My Encounters with a Survivor’. So extremely well written!”
– Brigadier R. Lokaranjan, President – The Society for Nature Conservation, Hyderabad
“This is to say thank you for the time and information which was provided by you to us during our field visit to the Udaipur Wildlife Division. The historical perspective provided by you about the sanctuaries inUdaipurwas especially useful during our field investigations and helped us to identify critical issues for each PA.”
– Raman Mehta, Consultant, Indian Institute of Public Administration,New Delhi.
“I learnt about your experiences of jungle life and will like to know more about the mysteries of various animals in forests as you are very much conversant with it.”
Bidani, Renowned Palmist ofIndia
“It is our fortune that during the course of two years’ investigations ofPicholaLake, we could discuss various aspects of this fast deteriorating wetland with you and enrich our knowledge through your lucid accounts.”
– Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Zoological Survey ofIndia, Jodhpur
“The Society has decided to honour you with the prestigious award “Vikas Ratna” for the excellence in your field on 11th May 1995 inBombay, which shall be attended by Union Ministers, State Ministers, Intellectuals and Industrialists.”
– Gurmeet Singh, Secretary General, International Friendship Society ofIndia, New Delhi
“This is to congratulate you on your beautiful observation published in the latest issue in Tiger Paper…I wonder if anyone else has been lucky enough to witness such spraying by wild tigers stalked on foot…It is astonishing that men like Inglis, Brander and Corbett never noticed spraying.”
– R. L. Brahmachary, Indian Statistical Institute, Calcutta
“It is a great pleasure to go into the field with an expert observer such as yourself.”
– J. G. Frazier, D. Phil
“A short note to thank you for your fascinating tit-bit of information on the trapping and handling of Grey Junglefowl. I must try it myself! It is a short (but very interesting) piece… Observations such as this are of very great interest, which I am always delighted to receive – very many thanks!”
– K. C. R. Howman, World Pheasant Association,England
Latest Research Note:
The Indian Forester: PANTHERS OF SOUTHERN RAJASTHAN: MY OBSERVATIONS OF 65 YEARS
Panthers of Southern Rajasthn – Indian Forester
Arefa Tehsin 
I am honored and blessed with his deep knowledge of Nature Conservation……
I’m fortunate enough to get a chance to meet him, talk to him and share his knowledge. He is a simple, but great wildlife expert and conservationist that no one can achieve his heights of knowledge and expertise.
Thank you, Puneet.