Bandipur National Park

Chinnappa’s accomplishments are all the more laudable because they were won against the stiffest odds. He endured setbacks, difficulties, threats, attacks, vilification, arrests and court cases. But, remarkably, he has emerged unscathed, his innocence, courage, dedication, honour and optimism intact. He is completely devoid of bitterness. He chooses to forget the troublemakers who made life so difficult for him and his loyal wife Radha, but remembers fondly the senior officers and lowly guards who stood by him. Through all his trials and tribulations, one thing remained undiminished: his sheer will to save the forests. With deep conviction he says: “If you have the will, you can do wonders.”