BAAGH: The Real Jungle Book of Today Sounds a Call for Conservation Through a Gripping Thriller
New Delhi [India], July 7: BAAGH: Tiger - The Inside Story, a powerful new novel that merges wildlife crime, suspense, and an urgent conservation message, is now available on all major platforms. Set against the expansive and untamed wilderness of India and the Himalayas, BAAGH offers a visceral glimpse into the murky world of illegal tiger trafficking--today the third-largest illicit trade in the world.
The novel traces the journey of Jaggu, a Bavaria tribesman from central India, born into a lineage of notorious poachers. Caught between his violent ancestral past and an evolving reverence for the forest, Jaggu's story is one of redemption, grit, and inner conflict. His journey--spanning Deccan's dusty trails to the snow-laden Himalayan passes--follows the contraband trail of a poached tigress, bringing to light the emotional, spiritual, and ecological costs of wildlife crimes.
Praised as "real and raw" by Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff, the novel goes beyond entertainment, serving as a "clarion call for conservation." From nail-biting chases through Kathmandu to encounters with Yak caravans in Tibet, the story not only thrills but immerses readers in the forest's language, rhythm, and politics. Dr. Rajesh Gopal, Secretary General of the Global Tiger Forum, lauds the novel as "The Jungle Book of today--redefined by modern challenges of poverty, encroachment, and poaching."
The book's realism and emotional weight are rooted in the life experiences of its author, Abhishek Ray. Known to many as a national award-winning composer behind soundtracks of critically acclaimed films like Paan Singh Tomar and I Am Kalam, Ray is also a government-certified tiger tracker and wildlife conservationist. He is the creator of the Sitabani Wildlife Reserve, a rewilded hill once barren, now home to thriving species.
Ray brings this rare authenticity to BAAGH, crafting a protagonist that reflects his own journey into the wild. Sonu Nigam, who trekked with Ray in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, writes in the book's preface, "Be prepared for a vivid, dramatic trek through thrilling storytelling, drenched in truth and fact-finding."
The novel has received endorsements from some of India's most respected voices in conservation and music. IBCA Director General S.P. Yadav called the book "a spiritual message for humanity", while singers like Shaan and Kavita Krishnamurthi have praised the emotional depth and cinematic prose.
Google Books describes it aptly: "An intriguing story encompassing wildlife, crime, action, adventure, and contraband, Baagh reflects the tiger's fight for survival against all odds in today's human-dominated landscape."
At its heart, BAAGH is not just a tale of survival but a powerful invitation to rethink humanity's relationship with nature. The novel is dedicated to the wild tigers and leopards that have crossed paths with Ray during his solitary treks--those that, as he poetically states, "looked me in the eye and decided to spare my life so that I could write their inside story."
BAAGH on Google Books
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
Selena Gomez joins Indian influencer Ankush Bahuguna; bakes pistachio tiramisu with him. How did it happen?
A Unique Invitation in Malibu Milestone Moment for Bahuguna Indian content creator Ankush Bahuguna recently had a memorable experience as he joined global beauty influencers for an exclusive baking session hosted by Selena Gomez in Malibu, California. The event, held ahead of the launch of Rare Beauty's new fragrance, brought together around 30 creators from around the world, with Bahuguna being the only Indian and the only male participant by Rare Beauty, Gomez's cosmetics brand, the intimate session wasn't just about baking—it was a celebration of creativity and authenticity. Participants were treated to a luxury experience, complete with curated gifts including Rare Beauty products, Birkenstock slippers, Ray-Ban glasses, and even the newly launched Rare Beauty Eau de Parfum. The class also offered an opportunity to interact closely with Selena Gomez, who is currently in the spotlight for both her professional and personal documented the event on Instagram, sharing cheerful clips and photos of himself baking alongside Gomez and her fiancé Benny Blanco. The trio baked a pistachio tiramisu together, an experience Bahuguna described as deeply memorable. He shared how surreal it felt to bond with Gomez, someone he admired growing up, and praised her friendly and dedicated Bahuguna has carved a unique space for himself in the content creation world. Trained as an architect and having briefly worked in the corporate sector, he transitioned into content creation full-time. Known for challenging gender norms through makeup, comedy, and storytelling, Bahuguna has gained over a million followers on Instagram and has appeared at events like the Cannes Film his social media posts, Bahuguna expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity and called the Malibu experience a dream come true. He shared glimpses of his preparations, his stay in Los Angeles, and the thoughtful hospitality provided by the Rare Beauty team. Though fans are curious about the possibility of a future collaboration with Gomez, Bahuguna humbly noted that the moment itself was special appearance comes during a busy period for Selena Gomez, who is not only promoting Rare Beauty's fragrance but is also preparing for the upcoming season of her series Only Murders in the Building, set to premiere on September 9 on JioCinema in Gomez has made headlines for her relationship with music producer Benny Blanco. The couple, who got engaged in December 2024, is reportedly planning a private wedding in Montecito, California this September. Despite the leaked details surrounding the ceremony, sources suggest the wedding plans remain unchanged due to the couple's tight work schedules.
Business Standard
14 hours ago
- Business Standard
How Expert Ghostwriting is Quietly Democratizing Publishing for First-Time Authors
VMPL New Delhi [India], August 6: The book publishing ecosystem has long favored the few--those with literary networks, writing experience, or access to traditional publishers. For first-time authors, the path is cluttered with gatekeeping, confusing self-publishing platforms, rights loss, and an overwhelming maze of vendors. Many with important stories to tell never get past the idea stage. But a new model is changing everything. Estorytellers, a ghostwriting and publishing platform founded by Kritika Kanodia, is empowering aspiring writers to skip the gatekeepers entirely and go from idea to bestseller with full ownership of their story. The Rise of a Ghostwriting-Led Publishing Model That's where Kritika Kanodia enters--with a quiet but determined mission to change how first time authors publish. As the founder of Estorytellers, she's built a ghostwriting-first publishing model designed to support those with a message, but without the time, training, or emotional bandwidth to write it themselves. "Most people don't need another course on how to write a book," she explains. "They need someone to write it with them--or for them. That's where true empowerment starts." Instead of treating ghostwriting as a side service, Estorytellers makes it the foundation--especially for professionals, survivors, and regional storytellers who need their story told with care and clarity. Turning Ideas Into Bestseller Manuscripts Without Losing Ownership What sets the model apart is its focus on creative control and ownership. Authors retain 100% of their rights and royalties. They're involved in shaping the narrative, but never forced to battle the blank page. It's a publishing experience built on dignity, not dependency. By keeping control in the hands of the storyteller, the model fosters authenticity and long-term creative freedom. Who This Model Is Empowering (And Why It Matters) Kritika didn't enter the industry to disrupt it, but she entered it to solve a problem. As a writer herself, she saw how first-time authors struggled not just with publishing, but with getting the words down in the first place. So she made ghostwriting the foundation, not an afterthought. This approach has empowered voices that traditional publishing might overlook: - Busy professionals and founders who want to distill their expertise - Mental health advocates and survivors with lived experiences to share - Non-English speakers or regional writers without formal training - First-generation authors from small towns with no publishing access The common thread? None of them considered themselves "writers." But now, they're authors. A Simplified Author Journey: From Dream to Distribution The Estorytellers model offers a streamlined, done-for-you approach: Ghostwriting: Carefully crafted to mirror the author's voice, vision, and message without compromising authenticity. Editing, Formatting & Cover Design: Professional editing and custom design ensure the book is polished and ready for both digital and print. Publishing Setup: Complete setup including ISBN, metadata, and distribution on Amazon, Flipkart, and Ingram--while retaining full author rights and royalties. Marketing Support: Strategic promotion and outreach to help books find and connect with their intended audience. This model eliminates the need to chase ghostwriters, designers, printers, or marketers separately. Estorytellers become the creative and operational backbone for aspiring authors, especially first-timers. Kritika Kanodia's Vision: 10,000 New Authors, Zero Barriers Kanodia's long-term mission is clear: enable 10,000+ new authors to publish without burnout, confusion, or gatekeeping. For her, it's not just about building a business--it's about rebuilding who gets to be seen, heard, and read. And ghostwriting is the enabler. "We've helped people become authors who never thought they could write," she says. "We just listened, wrote their story with care, and made sure they owned every bit of it." Learn more about how we support aspiring authors through our collaborative process. As the publishing world evolves, Kritika Kanodia continues building something far more meaningful than a platform. She's building a safe, powerful path for aspiring authors who need more than just a place to publish. The Future Belongs to Storytellers Even If They Don't Write the First Draft Literary prizes or elitist circles won't define the next wave of book publishing. It will be defined by inclusion, access, and the radical idea that you don't have to write a book to be an author. With Estorytellers, even first-time authors with no manuscript, no publishing knowledge, and no writing background can become published voices on a global stage.
Indian Express
15 hours ago
- Indian Express
Is it Siraj? Is it Bumrah? No, it's a Fox: A feisty fox runs around the Lord's outfield on the opening day of the Hundred
After 25 days of rivetting Test match cricket, England needed more than a spot of Hundred to get a full-house engaged. To their rescue came, a darting fox, reminiscent of Jasprit Bumrah and Md Siraj. With 72 runs needed at the Lord's in the opening day match of Oval Invincibles and London Spirit in the Hundred, a majestic fox with a bushy tail, darted onto the field. The opening match starred Rashid Khan, Sam Curran, David Warner, Kane Williamson and Ashton Turner. But the highlight of the day was the streaking fox. The commentators on Sky Cricket, including Stuart Broad would describe the scenes. 'A fox charges outside the outfield. Certainly a frontrunner. He's a well fed fox. Just about to turn corner, front of pavilion. Can't find its way out. This is a first at the home of cricket. Not sure if it's gone to exit if someone can help it out.' The fox unable to find its way out, clearly rabbitted around as the Lord's crowd cheered wildly. 'How do you catch a fox, Broadie?' 'Never been asked that question.' It would ultimately leap over a boundary board, prompting the commentators to say, 'I tell you what we have gone from Ascott (race course) to Cheltenham (where hounds, horses leap over hurdles) to Lord's.' The publicised Hundred Cricket League started on 6 August at London's historic Lord's Cricket Ground, with the opener between Oval Invincibles and London Spirit, though the loudest applause for reserved for the ferociously running fox with its tail parallel to the ground. Though no one hit the commotion button, it would have dawned on the players on the field that this was no mere dog, but a speciest upgrade pranking about them in a surreal scene. When Oval Invincibles came to bat responding to the target of 81 runs set by home team, London Spirit, 9 runs had been scored. Daniel Worrall was about to bowl, when the fox suddenly appeared. The Invincibles went on to overhaul London Spirit's modest target of 81 runs in just 69 balls and won by six. As per Sky, Rashid Khan and Sam Curran starred with the ball, taking three wickets each to decimate the Spirit's batting lineup that included stars like David Warner and Williamson. The Indian Express reporter on the ground had spotted a fox on July 28, and noted, 'Walk to accommodation after bus ride. There are lots of gardens in the area. See a small fox crossing road. Think eyes playing tricks, must be a dog. Find another little one is following. Was this London or Jungle Book? Next day take cab at night, spot another one. Cabbie says there are 10,000 of them in London. Is he serious? Yes, he was.' At Lord's, where centuries get feted, one fox took centrestage.
