The Book of Life

Yet this remarkable success started with a setback. Born in the busy Bombay neighbourhood of Khetwadi, Ali finished his B.A. and looked for work. But, in his words, “every institution and every office seemed to have a board hung up saying No vacancy.” That disappointment opened a new path. One day, he caught a small bird and noticed an unusual feature: its yellow neck. Curious, he began to research. He read extensively about birds; his interest deepened, and soon he acquired a simple pair of binoculars. Observing birds and recording notes became his daily routine. Over time, he mastered ornithology so well that he expanded the field into new areas. Two of his books became classics: one describes 1,200 bird species of the Indian subcontinent, and another, The Book of Indian Birds, has been reprinted eleven times and read worldwide. Though denied ordinary employment, he discovered a higher calling. Rejected by institutions on the grounds, he achieved international recognition by studying the skies. MAINTAIN DISTANCE M any vehicles move together on the road: from the front, back, right, and left. Therefore, many rules are put in place to ensure safe road travel. These traffic rules are posted everywhere along the roadside so that passing drivers can read them and stay safe.