Dive into Dr. Salim Ali's world at Bombay Natural History Society's exhibition

Barure (in saree) guides a visitor

In the quiet landmark of Hornbill House at Fort, a buzz is slowly developing. On International Bird Week (November 5 to November 12), the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) is celebrating one of the pioneers of Indian ornithology, Dr Salim Ali, with an exhibition from his personal archives. Today might be the last opportunity to peek into the life of a man whose efforts paved the way for conservation study in the country.

Dr Salim Ali. File pic

"Research and conservation were two very important facets of his life," shares Kishor Rithe, director, BNHS. The exhibition brings to fore his professional expanse and personal meticulousness. The collection was brought together by curator and BNHS librarian, Nirmala Barure. The work began in 2014, she reveals. "The process is still ongoing since it is such a monumental record of correspondence, research and notes over a period of 60 years," Barure remarks.

The tape recorder used by Dr Ali to record bird sounds

The theme for the exhibition, Rithe adds, is a focus on the layman. It includes correspondence to prime ministers, policy makers, as well as people on the ground - from forest officials to students and villagers. Barure points out that the correspondence also has some touching personal moments.

His filming equipment. Pics/Atul Kamble

"There are greeting cards from Mrinalini Sarabhai, and a commendation letter from the famed botanist Ethelbert Blatter of St Xaviers' College," she notes. One of the more remarkable objects was a complaint written by Dr Salim Ali to a Bandra neighbour - Yusuf Khan aka Dilip Kumar - complaining about the noise the latter's watchman made in the night.

A letter written by Dr Salim Ali to Dilip Kumar from 1975

Then, there is his equipment - from typewriters and cameras to telescopes and lenses. "While technology has advanced, this equipment is proof of how challenging it was for the early pioneers to make audio visual records and document their studies," Rithe notes. Among the equipment on display is a rare find of 16mm films, shot by Dr Ali during his many journeys, that were preserved by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC.

Dr Ali's portable typewriter

The society is already in the process of dedicating a space to honour Dr Ali's collection. Rithe shares, "This year, we plan to begin renovation work on the space, and will dedicate some part of it to Dr Salim Ali's collection. This exhibition is just a rehearsal of those plans." For now, visitors would want to hurry to Hornbill House to catch a glimpse of the rare treasure trove.

A collection of Dr Ali's correspondence

On: Today; 10 am to 5 pm
At: BNHS, Hornbill House, opposite Lion Gate, Fort.
Call: 9594953425
Log on to: bnhs.org

Kishore Rithe