Tiger conservation-it's significance for sustainability of life | Dr. P S Harsha | TEDxNPSITPL Youth
With a fascinating presentation titled "Small Sparks and Big Shifts," Dr. P.S. Harsha took the TEDxNPSITPLYouth audience on a compelling and thought provoking journey—from the chaos of everyday life to the serene landscapes of the awe-inspiring world of wild tigers. His narrative of how a deeply personal and poignant experience became the catalyst, giving him renewed purpose and a profound sense of mission-all about making a difference in the lives of the 'majestic guardians'-the TIGERS!.
While tracking a tigress and her cubs—who sadly perished—Dr. Harsha encountered what he calls his “Buddha moment”- a revelation that transformed him from a passive observer into a committed conservationist.Inspired to learn more about the voiceless, Dr. Harsha undertook doctoral work in the Nilgiris—hubs of some of India's most critical tiger habitats. He spoke with clarity and urgency on the stark reality of tiger population falls, painting grim pictures of human versus tiger numbers that left the audience breathless.He presented forth the passionate in favor of conserving tigers—not only as a matter of ecological necessity, but as a moral imperative. The tiger, he reminded us, is not only an apex predator but a species umbrella—conserving it is saving entire ecosystems.Dr. Harsha highlighted the growing threats to tiger reserves—from poaching and illicit mining to encroaching infrastructure.He shared insights on increasing human-tiger conflicts, how camera tracks, ID mapping, and non-lethal ways of conflict management and conservation are carefully considered not just for survival, but to ensure the royal recognition and national conservation of these majestic creatures.With a strong call to action, Dr. Harsha implored the youth to become guardians of conservation. Saving the tiger is not only about wildlife, he contended, but about protecting national pride, ecological balance, and ensuring a future without environmental disaster-igniting the Small Sparks to Create Big Shifts!!! Dr. P S Harsha is a decorated IPS officer, medical doctor and tiger biologist known for his visionary leadership. A native of Chitradurga, Karnataka, he has held key roles including Commissioner of Police in Mangaluru, Director of KSRTC and Commissioner of Information and Public Relations. He has led reforms in crime control, transport and digital governance.He curbed organized crime in Gulbarga and eased communal tensions in Puttur. In Tumkur, he received the Chief Minister’s Award for innovation. In Bangalore City, he earned the Chief Minister’s Medal for improving public safety.As Mangaluru Police Commissioner, he launched “My Beat My Pride” and “Aashakirana” to fight drug abuse. He promoted tourism and mobility reform through leadership roles in KSTDC and KSRTC. Now focused on tiger conservation, he researches tiger population stability and human-wildlife conflict in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. He sees conservation as vital to protecting nature, clean air and life itself. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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