Page 59 - Mann Ki Baat English

In the forests of Panna district of Madhya Pradesh, another
silent yet significant effort has been unfolding. Forest Guard
Jagdish Prasad Ahirwar has documented 129 medicinal plant
species. His work has now been published in a book titled
‘Medicinal Plants of South Panna’, featuring plants such as
Kalahari, Beejasar, Giloy, Adusa, Shatavari, and Nirgundi.

“I collected photographs and detailed
information about each plant - its name,
usage, and location. I had been noting such
information in my diary during my service
period, but over the past year, under the
inspiration of our Divisional Forest Officer, Mr.
Anupam Sharma, I worked on it systematically,”
-Jagdish Prasad Ahirwar, Forest Guard, Mohandra
Forest Range, Panna, Madhya Pradesh

"Our forest guard Shri Jagdish Ahirwar ji
has compiled information about important
medicinal plants. We have one more forest
guard, Shri Veerendra Patel ji who compiled
information about birds. Such documentation
of biodiversity, with photographs and practical
uses, increases awareness. Greater awareness
fosters sensitivity, and sensitivity helps in
conserving biodiversity.”
-Anupam Sharma, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer,
South Forest Division, Panna, Madhya Pradesh

From nurturing saplings to preserving traditional medicinal
knowledge, such citizens exemplify how individual resolve
strengthens India’s environmental movement.

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