Blog: As Himalayas Change, Jim Corbett's Voice Echoes Louder Than Ever

Updated: Oct 16, 2026 18:39 pm IST Published On Oct 16, 2026 18:34 pm IST Last Updated On Oct 16, 2026 18:39 pm IST

Published On Oct 16, 2026 18:34 pm IST

Last Updated On Oct 16, 2026 18:39 pm IST

'But how do we even know if all that Jim Corbett wrote about was even true?'

There was an audible gasp in the room.

I was moderating a session on environment writing at the very first Corbett Literature Festival, being held right next to the Corbett National park, named after the celebrated hunter turned conservationist Jim Corbett.

The offending question, over the sanctity of Corbett's many tales, that have enthralled generations, was asked, in a light hearted manner, by Professor Richard Kerridge, himself a nature writer, who teaches creative writing at Bath Spa University.

Before I could react to the implications of the loaded statement he had just made, another panelist, prolific writer and celebrated author from the hills, Stephen Alter intervened.

'As someone who is from the region as well, I must step in here and defend Jim Corbett!' He said with some feeling, a smile on his face. 'How can you question our beloved hero? All his adventures, all his descriptions of chasing man-eating tigers and leopards in the Kumaon hills were all absolutely true!'

The hall, which was full of writers, environmentalists and wildlife enthusiasts laughed, and we continued our discussion, as Prerna Singh Bindra, the third........

© NDTV