Hyderabad: For most, turning 20 might mean throwing a party or receiving a memorable gift, but Ishika Ranjan, daughter of senior IAS officer Jayesh Ranjan, chose to celebrate her milestone in a truly remarkable way.
On her 20th birthday, Ishika made a significant contribution to wildlife conservation by adopting a Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros at the Nehru Zoological Park.
The adoption was a part of the zoo’s ongoing animal adoption program. It was marked by Ishika handing over a cheque, accompanied by her family, including her grandmother, for Rs. 1 lakh to Dr. Sunil S. Hiremath, the Zoo Director, on Sunday. This donation will contribute directly to the care and upkeep of the rhino, one of the most majestic yet endangered species in the world.
Ishika’s decision to adopt the endangered rhino reflects her deep commitment to wildlife conservation. During the visit, she, along with her family, toured the zoo, paying special attention to the rhino and elephant enclosures. Ishika expressed her happiness with the zoo’s upkeep and the animals’ health, commending the efforts of the zoo staff.
Dr. Sunil S. Hiremath briefed Jayesh Ranjan and his family about the zoo’s operations, to which they expressed their satisfaction. Ishika urged fellow citizens to support wildlife conservation by participating in the animal adoption program or donating to the zoo, which allows for the adoption of animals for varying periods, ranging from a day to a year.
In addition to her conservation efforts, Ishika is also an emerging writer. She recently co-authored a book, Our World: A Symphony of Drabbles by Three Generations, alongside her mother, Ruchi Ranjan, and her 93-year-old great uncle, Bishan Sahai. The book, consisting of 86 drabbles—short stories told in exactly 100 words—reflects the voices of three different generations, each bringing their own unique perspective to the collection.
The project began during the lockdown, a time when many were struggling with isolation and boredom. Ishika, however, found inspiration in the every day, transforming simple observations into compelling stories. Her contribution to the book is marked by dark humour and a vivid imagination, offering a glimpse into the mind of a young writer finding her voice.
In combining her love for wildlife with a passion for literature, Ishika Ranjan exemplifies a young individual dedicated to both conservation and creative expression, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.
