Harak Singh Aswal

A pioneer ornithologist in Uttarakhand. This simple and revered Forester has served the forest department for over 35 years.

Known as “the pelican” Harak Singh was a genius with his knowledge of birds. Birdwatching series particularly from U.K. were promoted by his name in the Seventies and eighties. Even the late Rajiv Gandhi would keenly participate in the birdwalks led by Harak Singh in the Dhikala chaur (grassland) as many other state guests. The last few years of service was spent as an instructor at the Kalagarh Training Institute. Far from the hustle and bustle Harak Sing Aswal now leads a retired life in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand.