‘Walk with the Pardhis’, an experiential walk in the wilderness and rural living campaign launched by Panna Tiger Reserve and Last Wilderness Foundation in Panna Tiger Reserve proved to be awesome experience for the tourists. Pardhis are nomadic community popular as hunting tribes around forest areas of Madhya Pradesh. After various talks and combined efforts of Madhya Pradesh Forest Department and NGOs, large part of the population gave up traditional hunting. They have been kept engaged in education, local employment opportunities, business and other things to utilise their skills in positive way. ‘Walk with Pardhi’ is a kind of walk with people of the forest, where one can get spectacular stories.

As Prardhis are living in jungle for years, they have clear image of everything and unsung stories of animals.

Talking to ‘The Hitavada’, Vidya Venkatesh, Director Last Wilderness Foundation, said, “We are so proud of our Pardhi guides who have not only managed successful walks with Indian guests, but have managed to lead international guests on a happy walk too! Walk with the Pardhis which was originally started as an alternative means of income for the community, also helps in preserving the culture and traditional knowledge, as well as helps in creating awareness about the tribe and their transition from being a nomadic hunting community to protectors of the forests.”

She further informed that community members who are involved in the model as guides feel that apart from a source of income, the walk has helped them meet and learn so much more about people and the world outside of their own community. The initiative has made them feel more accepted and made them feel proud of who they are. Officials of PTR said that sometimes these guides share the real experience in jungle. They know much more about the trees, leaves and its uses.

They have deep knowledge of species in jungle and interacting fact which is rare known by people.