A remarkable tale of interspecies bonding and compassion from Assam's Nagaon district has found its way into the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class 10 English textbook. The inclusion of this unique narrative, centered on a family from Kampur that adopted and raised a civet cat cub, has brought immense joy and recognition to the local community.
The extraordinary story originates with Dharani Saikia of Vrindaban Nagar, Kampur town, known locally as the 'Forest Man' for his dedicated wildlife rescue efforts. In 2009, Saikia was ed by villagers in Tetelisora after a civet cub, locally referred to as 'Jahamaal,' fell from a tree. With the assistance of his elder son, Dharani brought the helpless cub home, initiating an unprecedented chapter in their lives.
Faced with the challenge of nourishing the newborn cub, Dharani's wife, Anjali Saikia, made a profound and selfless decision. Despite initial hesitation, she agreed to nurse the cub, named 'Bhakat,' alongside her own six-month-old son, Gibon Saikia. This act of nurturing transformed the civet into an integral part of the family, sharing meals ranging from tea and rice to fish and meat, and even sleeping on the same bed as the children.
The inclusion of this deeply human and inspiring account in the national curriculum serves as a powerful testament to empathy towards wildlife and the potential for coexistence. It highlights the profound impact of individual acts of kindness, resonating far beyond the quiet lanes of Kampur, Nagaon.
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