Forest Range officer from Tamil Nadu, Mr. S Sathish, is known for his work of conserving the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park in Tamil Nadu and protecting thousands of marine animals. However, this is not the only reason for being known. Mr. Sathish is also a musician and singer par excellence.
In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, the officer talked in detail about his foray into the world of music.
GETTING INTRODUCED TO MUSIC
Mr. Sathish’s first tryst with music happened when he was in class 7. His music teacher, who also sang in choirs in church, taught him his first musical notes and helped him to understand the language of music.
“I received a chance to join a proper music class only in class 10-11. In the academy, I learned classical and western music and learned how to play the keyboard and guitar. I used to play in cultural events in college. We used to go to all-India cultural meets where I used to represent my Tamil Nadu Agricultural University,” Mr. Sathish said.
MUSIC AS A STRESSBUSTER
The officer believes that music and singing have helped him in coping with the stress that comes along with his job as a uniformed officer. Even senior officers of the state are organizing stressbuster classes for uniformed officers as they deal with a lot of stress while on duty.
“Having a hobby or passion can help relieve all the anxiety and stress. Many other officers that I know also follow the habit of pursuing a hobby, be it reading or playing a sport,” he said.
MUSICAL NIGHTS IN FOREST
As a Forest Range officer, Mr. Sathish has to spend many a night in forests with his team. To relax and to make the nights a little lively, the officer sometimes carries an instrument with him to play and unwind from work tensions for a while.
“As a musician, I enjoy these nights a lot. They help us in becoming mentally strong. This also helps me to sharpen my skills.”
Mr. Sathish also performs during inter-forest cultural events and is quite popular in the forest circles as a singer-musician.
CHRISTMAS CHOIRS
Being half Christian, he attends the Sunday mass regularly. Once, he received the chance to play in a church’s choir at Christmas. Everyone was impressed by his performance and ever since that time, the officer conducts choirs at churches every year during Christmas or other special occasions.
“Due to my hectic job, I can’t conduct choirs every week but on special occasions, I gather my friends who are also interested in music and begin practicing from one week prior. It provides me with a kind of satisfaction. This is a time when everybody comes together and I get to spend some good time with my near and dear ones,” he told Indian Masterminds.
SONGS FOR CONSERVATION
Mr. Sathish is now planning to compose songs that will generate awareness on elephant conservation, fire conservation, marine life conservation, etc.
“We can compose the lyrics and record it in a nearby studio. With our seniors’ permission, we can release the song officially and create awareness. Music can be successfully used for the conservation of nature. However, the plan is still tentative, and we are working on it,” he said.
The officer has a dedicated Facebook page for uploading his videos of singing and playing music. His friends help him in recording and posting the videos. He believes that music is a great bonding factor and has helped him in strengthening his relationships.
