Malkangiri: Rajesh Mandal in Malkangiri – popularly known as ‘Jungle Boy’ has been following the footsteps of ‘Man vs Wild’ star Bear Grylls.
Rajesh is an M.Tech degree holder from NIT Bhopal and the Odia youth has won many hearts across the state. He had left his lucrative job a few years back to follow his passion for wildlife.
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According to his family, Rajesh was born and brought up at MV-79 village in Malkangiri district. The ‘Jungle Boy’ had developed a strong inclination towards wildlife right from his childhood.
The tribal populated Malkangiri district is surrounded by dense forest and possesses a number of wild animal species including snakes, chameleons, wild boars and sambars among others. Rajesh started his own YouTube channel and began guiding wildlife enthusiasts on nature, survival and adaptability of wild animals, the family said.
“My passion drove me to learn more about animals and their nature. I have spent sleepless nights in the woods to gain knowledge on their basic instinct as well as wild habitat. After completing my academic education, I choose jungle over job,” the ‘Jungle Boy’ gleamed.
Rajesh’s parents were unhappy when he decided to leave his lucrative job in order to pursue a presumably unrewarding vocation. Later, with the passing of time their opinion changed when they witnessed his resolute dedication. “I am happy that the passion of my son is being admired across the state,” the youth’s father Rabindra said.
PNN