In an inspiring blend of dedication and humor, Kolluri Sankara Rao, a visiting professor and distinguished fellow at the Centre for Ecological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science, shares the challenges and thrills he faced while documenting the trees of Bengaluru. From navigating the city’s maddening traffic to enduring bee stings and red ant bites, Rao recounts his quirky adventures in his new book, Trees of Bangalore, released on November 8. The book, published in conjunction with the 90th anniversary celebrations of the Indian Academy of Sciences, offers a first-of-its-kind exploration of the city’s urban flora.
Rao’s work provides a deep dive into the rich biodiversity of Bengaluru’s trees, with insights drawn from his personal experiences, including some lighthearted moments of occasional embarrassment. His narrative highlights the intersection of science and urban life, presenting the city’s trees as living monuments that tell stories of both nature and the evolving urban landscape.
This unique contribution to both ecology and literature is a testament to Rao’s passion for environmental documentation and his ability to balance rigorous research with the humor of his fieldwork. The book is a celebration of Bengaluru’s green heritage and a call to appreciate the natural world amidst urbanization.
Read Also: