SACRED GROVES OF INDIA Ecology, Tradition and Conservation

SACRED GROVES OF INDIA Ecology, Tradition and Conservation

Authors: Mr. Pankaj Gupta, Dr. Wahida Rehman Shaikh, Dr. Payal Aditya Acharekar, Dr. Kalpit Ganesh Mhatre,
Publish Date/ Year : April 2026 | Format: Paperback | Genre : Medical Science | Other Book Detail

This book, Sacred Groves of India: Ecology, Tradition and Conservation, attempts to bring together ecological science, ethnobotany, cultural studies, and conservation biology into a unified framework. It explores sacred groves not only in terms of their biological richness, but also through the lens of mythology, indigenous knowledge systems, community governance, and evolving policy landscapes. Particular emphasis has been placed on regional diversity, highlighting sacred grove systems in the Western Ghats, Northeast India, Central India, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, each of which presents unique ecological characteristics and cultural interpretations. The work also examines the intersection of traditional ecological knowledge and modern conservation approaches. It recognizes that effective conservation cannot rely solely on scientific or legislative frameworks, but must also engage deeply with the cultural and spiritual dimensions that have historically ensured the protection of sacred landscapes. In doing so, it argues for a more integrated model of conservation—one that respects community stewardship while incorporating contemporary ecological science and policy tools.
Pages

130 pages
Language

English
Publication date

April 2026
ISBN-13

978-93-6678-133-4




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Mr. Pankaj Gupta

Mr. Pankaj Gupta

Mr. Pankaj Gupta is serving as an assistant professor of Zoology under the Department of Higher Education, Government of Himachal Pradesh. A gold medallist in M.Phil. and a dedicated teacher of Zoology, Mr. Gupta is currently advancing his expertise through doctoral research while shaping young minds for over sixteen years. His teaching spans Zoology and Environmental Science - disciplines he energises with a research focus that lies at the intersection of biodiversity conservation, ornithology, climate action, and parasitology. An award-winning educator and a prolific author, he has recently published several impactful books, including Biodiversity Conservation: Principles, Practices and Future Challenges (2025) and Environmental Science: An Integrated Approach (2026), alongside multiple book chapters that address pressing ecological issues. His scholarly output is matched by an impressive record of over seventy presentations at national and international conferences and seminars, where his work on Himalayan wildlife, protected areas, and sustainable development has earned him recognition, including best paper awards. Beyond the classroom, Mr. Gupta has steered institutional growth as IQAC Coordinator, shaped curricula as a university examiner, and led community engagement through scouting, environmental initiatives, and electoral literacy campaigns. A life member of many scientific associations, including the prestigious Bombay Natural History Society, which exemplifies his academic leadership, he is deeply rooted in both scholarly pursuit and social responsibility.

Dr. Wahida Rehman Shaikh

Dr. Wahida Rehman Shaikh

Dr. Wahida Rehman is currently working as an assistant professor in botany at Maharashtra College of Arts, Science and Commerce Mumbai. She is a distinguished academician and researcher in Botany with over 15 years of teaching experience at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She earned her Ph.D. from Institute of Science, University of Mumbai, with a specialized focus on microbial degradation of organophosphate pesticides. Her research interests encompass environmental science, bioremediation, and phytochemistry, contributing significantly to sustainable and eco-friendly scientific solutions. She has authored several publications in peer-reviewed journals and actively presented her work at national and international conferences. Dr. Shaikh is dedicated to advancing research in plant sciences while fostering critical thinking and scientific inquiry among students and scholars.

Dr. Payal Aditya Acharekar

Dr. Payal Aditya Acharekar

Dr. Payal Aditya Acharekar is currently working as an assistant professor in botany at Jai Hind College, Basantsing Institute of Science & J.T.Lalvani Institute of Commerce and Sheila Gopal Raheja College of Management (Empowered, Autonomous), Churchgate, Mumbai, Maharashtra State. She has 18 years of teaching experience at the UG level and 10 years at the PG level. She has completed her Ph.D. from Jai Hind College (Empowered, Autonomous), Mumbai. She is the author of one book. To her credit she has 15 research papers in UGC CARE list and has written 2 chapters in various books. She has been awarded the Title ‘Fellow of the International Society of Environmental Botany. She has presented her research in the form of Papers and Posters at various International and National conferences. She has also been awarded 1st prize at different conferences. She has a vast experience in the field of Environmental Botany, Noise pollution, Biophysics, Botany, and Horticulture. Apart from academic work, she has also been engaged in administrative work. At the institute level, she has been working as a Faculty Co-Ordinator of the Green Club and Head of Criterion 7 of the NAAC committee. She has also been involved in various Green initiatives in and around college.

Dr. Kalpit Ganesh Mhatre

Dr. Kalpit Ganesh Mhatre

Dr. Kalpit Ganesh Mhatre is currently working as an assistant professor in botany at New Education Society's Shriram Kusumtai Sadashiv Vanjare College, Lanja District Ratnagiri, Maharashtra State. He has total teaching experience of 10 years at UG level. He has completed his Ph.D. from St. Xavier's College (Autonomous), Mumbai. He is the author of 22 books and editor of 19 books. To his credit he has 21 research papers in UGC CARE list and has written 59 chapters in various books. He also has 03 patent publication to his credit. He has vast experience in the field of Plant Taxonomy, Ethnobotany, Molecular Systematics, Ecology and Anthropology. Apart from academic work, he has been engaged in administrative work also. At institute level, he is being working as a Nodal Officer for various schemes such as Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE), National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), Kalam Program for IP Literacy and Awareness (KAPILA) and Atal Ranking of Institution on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA). Dr. Mhatre is a President of Institutional Innovation Council (IIC). He has been designated as a District Sustainability Mentor (DSM) for Ratnagiri District by Mahatma Gandhi National Council of Rural Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, Hyderabad.