Amit Jethwa : A Remembrance

Amit Jethwa : A Remembrance

Amit Jethwa, the well-known naturalist, ecological & RTI-activist, is not among us today, yet the foot-prints left by him will be showing way to the thousands of youths like us, associated with his campaign through, “Gir Nature Youth Club”.

In a short span of less than a decade, how a lab-technician of Khambha Village of Saurashtra emerged as one of the active workers in field of forest-preservation, ecological-balance and awareness among people, especially on “Right to Information (RTI)”, is a much-told story. To his close associates, he was a truly devoted worker who never expected, or should I say that never accepted any reward or award for his acclaimed works. He was a source of inspiration among his team-mates, who usually passed on credits to them. Young Naturalist Award, constituted by Sanctuary Magazine, for 2006 to GNYC workers Bharat Kamaliya for protection of whale-shark and the same for 2007 to Hakkabhai Makwana for Vulture-protection shows that saplings grew below the big Banyan.

As the Chief Editor of “Around the Nature” he evolved an effective tool of communication with the people with concern over the effect of industrial and commercial activities on ecological balance and wild-life. He had also earned reputation as the member of GEER Foundation established by Gujarat Government.

His unfortunate tragic end has left a huge gap in the scenario, especially before the youths, who has been working with him for years and for whom, he was a source of guidance as well as of inspiration and courage. His sudden demise will, ofcourse, not bring such activities to an end, what matters is that we have lost a developer of enthusiastic and devoted activists.

We all members of Gir Natural Youth Club condemn his brutal assassination. We are also in receipt of several such messages from all across Gujarat. We are shocked but still committed to bring forward his campaign with all our strength.

May GOD rest his soul to eternal peace!