सुन्दरबन अति सुंदर बनमधुर मनोहर सुन्दरबन!

This poem, written by Brinda Upadhyaya, Co-Founder, Upadhyaya Foundation, is a reflection on the Sundarban landscape and the life it sustains. Inspired by the richness of the ecosystem as well as the work of HEAL, one of the NGO partners of the Foundation, within it, the poem brings together the rivers, forests, and species that coexist in this unique environment. It was written not only about the landscape, but also for the people who are deeply engaged in protecting it.

Through simple, evocative imagery, the poem captures the quiet rhythms of the Sundarbans. There is a sense of balance in the way light and shadow, calm and uncertainty, are held together, reflecting a landscape that is both beautiful and fragile. At its core, it is an expression of care and recognition. The reference to a watchful presence over the forest reflects a sense of responsibility and guardianship, while the closing lines acknowledge the individuals who dedicate themselves to conservation.

The illustration, created by Preetham Bharadwaj from the Communications team, complements the poem by visually bringing this landscape to life. Framed by dense mangroves and flowing water, the artwork captures the layered richness of the Sundarbans, from birds and reptiles to subtle markers of human presence. The composition draws the viewer inward, echoing the poem’s movement through the landscape and reinforcing the sense of immersion, coexistence, and quiet vigilance.

About HEAL

Humane Environment and Animal Liberation (HEAL) works at the intersection of wildlife conservation, habitat protection, and community engagement in the Sundarbans. Their work focuses on safeguarding vulnerable species, addressing human wildlife conflict, and strengthening the relationship between local communities and their natural environment.

Operating in a region shaped by tidal ecosystems and constant ecological shifts, HEAL’s approach is both practical and grounded in on-ground realities. They work closely with communities, support conservation interventions, and contribute to building systems that enable more sustainable coexistence between people and wildlife.

This poem is inspired by the spirit of that work, and serves as a reminder of both the beauty of the landscape and the people working to protect it.

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सुन्दरबन अति सुंदर बन

मधुर मनोहर सुन्दरबन!

पशु पक्षी हैं यहां अनोखे,

विशाल विषधर हमने देखे!

बोन देबी की निगरानी में

पनप रहा है सबका जीवन,

सुंदरबन ,अति सुंदर बन!

कुछ उजियारे कुछ अंधियारे,

छांव धूप से सजे हैं सारे!

नदियों का है मेल यहां पर,

जड़ चेतन का मोहक मंथन,

सुंदरबन अति सुंदर बन!

हील संस्था के ये व्यक्ति,

अद्भुत है इन सब की शक्ति!

संरक्षण में जुटे हुए सब,

जीवन इनका इसको अर्पण,

सुंदरबन अति सुंदर बन!

- बृंदा उपाध्याय