Thiruvananthapuram: For Ishan Shanavas, nature is home, and all living beings are his companions. A 22-year-old nature enthusiast from Bengaluru, Ishan never hesitates to step in and rescue animals he finds injured or abandoned along the roadside, regardless of the species. His dream is to live a life in harmony with nature, understanding forests, hills, and the ecosystems they support.

Ishan, son of Kozhikode-native Shanavas and Bengaluru-native Priya, is founder of the initiative Eco Inspire. He recently arrived in Thiruvananthapuram from Bengaluru as part of his campaign to spread awareness about environmental conservation. During his visit, he conducted interactive sessions on ecological awareness at 10 schools and colleges in the city, captivating students with storytelling that wove in the rhythms and realities of nature.

His deep connection with the wild began near Rishivali School in Andhra Pradesh, where the surrounding forests and biodiversity inspired him to explore further. He started documenting what he saw through photography, capturing the wonders of the natural world.

While pursuing a degree in Environmental studies at Ashoka University, Delhi, Ishan embarked on a journey to the Himalayas. His travel experiences from the age of 14 to 22 culminated in the publication of his book The Light of Wilder Things.

Ishan’s environmental education journey began in the month of June from Bengaluru, where he launched awareness classes in schools. His mission, now expanding across cities including Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kerala, aims to reach and inspire 25,000 students, to make them a part of Eco Inspire.