Dr. Jane Goodall, world-renowned primatologist considered to be the world’s first expert on chimpanzees was on a five-day visit to Nepal from Nov 21- Nov 25. On Friday, Nov. 23 , she appeared at QFX Kumari to address an audience, at the screening of a documentary – Jane’s Journey, based on her life. I attended the screening and it has left me inspired indeed!
Dame of the British Empire, United Nation's Peace Messenger, and recipient of “Légion d’Honneur”, the highest decoration of France, Dr. Jane Goodall She started her career in 1960 at the age of 26 at Gombe National Park in Tanzania, interacting with chimpanzees and studying their behavior. More than 20 years ago, Dr. Goodall, now 78, gave up her career as a primatologist, as well as her private life, in order to devote her entire energy to saving the endangered planet.
Dame of the British Empire, United Nation's Peace Messenger, and recipient of “Légion d’Honneur”, the highest decoration of France, Dr. Jane Goodall She started her career in 1960 at the age of 26 at Gombe National Park in Tanzania, interacting with chimpanzees and studying their behavior. More than 20 years ago, Dr. Goodall, now 78, gave up her career as a primatologist, as well as her private life, in order to devote her entire energy to saving the endangered planet.
Jane’s Journey chronicles the life of this extra-ordinary woman, whose scientific breakthroughs are considered to be amongst the most important of the past 100 years. I have to admit that I was a little teary eyed during the documentary. If you haven't watched it, it's high time you did!
By the end of the movie, Dr. Goodall received a standing ovation from the crowd. As she stepped down from the aisle to address the crowd after the movie, the clapping wouldn’t stop.
“You’re just too great Jane,” yelled a young man from the audience.
More applause.
Dr. Goodall spoke to the audience and answered queries from young activists who shared their problems. For some it was difficult to change the attitude of skeptics of eco-tourism and some were fighting against the mockery that comes with animal rights activism in Nepal.
“It won’t happen overnight,” assured Dr. Goodall encouraging the crowd to never lose hope.
Roots and Shoots is a global youth movement started by Dr. Goodall which is active in more than 120 countries. Manoj Gautam along with a group of dedicated members of Roots and Shoots Nepal are behind Dr. Goodall’s visit. All the proceeds of the movie event went to Roots and Shoots Nepal’s Vulture Conservation project in Nawalparasi.
“Hopefully, we’re moving the young people in the right direction to do something,” said Dr. Goodall.
Here is what she said when I asked her about the youth of Nepal:
“I think that when the young people of Nepal get to know the facts and are listened to and are told that what they do can make a difference and when they realize that that’s true, they are the same as young people I found all over the world. that the energy and level of commit of young people all over the world was amazing."
Dr. Goodall is also the founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and has worked extensively on conservation and animal welfare issues. And after the movie, Dr. Goodall announced that a chapter of the Jane Goodall institute would be opening in Nepal too.
Dr. Goodall, travels 300 days a year, spreading hope and inspiring millions.
With her charm, her dedication and her undying hope in the younger generation, Dr Goodall is indeed one of the most fascinating women of recent times.
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| That's me with the Dr Goodall and Dr. H! What an honour! |
