Stories  That Grow



About | Project
About | People

    Publication

    But, Have You Met a Tree?
    White Wash
    If the Wild could Dream
    The Bucket List
    Who can Terrify an Elephant?
    Alert in St Cruz

    Artistic Installation
    What is Wild to the City?Beneath The Surface
    Undheka- Dekha
    The Forest Remembers
    Imprints
    Shedding Fear
    The Magic of the Mundane
    Unnatural Selection
    Between Still & Storm
    Found In My Pocket
    Uncoiling The Coiled
    Trustfall
    Can You See Me?

     Moving Images

    The Weight
    Symphony: Echoes of Inheritance
    The Change I Share
    In Their Element

    Class Gallery

    Uncoiling The Coiled

    Illustration Installation + Publication


    Stories with | Niranjan Boro, Sherry Fernandes, Benhail Antao, Rajesh Bhavsar,  Avinash Visvanathan
    Artist-Designer | Soutreyi Mandal
    Concept Note

    The stories of Indian snake rescuers remain largely untold, with their invaluable contributions often overlooked. Their work goes beyond rescuing snakes; as Avinash aptly put it, “Snake rescuers are the foot soldiers who bridge the gap between the scientific community and the common public.” Inspired by this and the insights shared by the rescuers about the importance of dialogue and communication, this project aims to highlight the crucial role they play in raising awareness and educating people. They work tirelessly to debunk misconceptions, transform fear into understanding, and help communities unlearn several long-held biases. The goal is to inspire a shift in perspective, encouraging people to co-exist with these beings, with whom humans have shared the environment for years.

    Read more here



    About

    Soutreyi Mandal

    The sun spreading its rays—that’s what my name means.

    Soutreyi Mandal is a graduate in Visual Communication and Strategic Branding from Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology (B.Des, 2021–2025). She enjoys exploring ideas through research and storytelling, often allowing one to lead into the other. Her work brings together hand-drawn and digital illustrations, shaped by a deep appreciation for detail, language, and layered meaning. Soutreyi is drawn to stories that feel personal and alive—where visuals are not just beautiful, but thoughtful and full of intent.
     




    Niranjan Boro

    Niranjan, the oldest staff member at Pakke’s Forest Department since 2004, once feared snakes like many in his hometown in Assam. But a rescue call two years ago changed everything. With hands-on experience, he overcame his fear and now confidently handles snakes, advocating for their protection. He’s seen attitudes shift in Tippi and remains hopeful that fear will one day give way to understanding and respect.

    Sherry Fernandes

    A journalist from Goa, she first grew curious about snakes at 13 after witnessing one nearly killed out of fear. That moment sparked a journey of learning and unlearning. Trained by experienced rescuers like Benhail Antao and Alex Carpenter, she became a rescuer herself and now works to change perceptions through writing, social media, and conversations. Though she no longer rescues actively, she continues to educate and guide others, believing that with understanding, fear can turn into respect.

    Benhail Antao

    An event planner by profession, Benhail Antao has been rescuing snakes since he was a child in Moira, Goa. What began as a personal mission to protect snakes from being killed grew into a lifelong commitment to wildlife conservation. After he accidentally rescued a venomous snake unknowingly, he understood the severity behind the work and began training with the forest department, eventually becoming an honorary wildlife warden. For Benhail, rescues are moments to spark change—through conversation, empathy, and education. He also hosted Snake SOS on National Geographic, using media to bust myths and inspire a new generation of conservationists.

    Rajesh Bhavsar

    Rajesh Bhavsar, project coordinator for Wildlife SOS in Vadodara and president of GSPCA, began rescuing snakes with his late wife, Snehal, after witnessing a snake suffer on their college campus. What started with domestic animal rescue soon expanded into wildlife conservation. With no internet in 1994, they learned through books and training under herpetologist Dr. Raju Vyas. Today, Rajesh leads rescue efforts, conducts awareness programs across states, and fights wildlife trafficking. He remains hopeful, inspired by a growing generation of young people taking a stand for animals and conservation.

    Avinash Visvanathan

    Avinash, General Secretary of Friends of Snakes Society in Telangana since 2010, turned childhood fear into dedication. Inspired by local rescuers, he combined self-learning with field experience to lead ethical rescues and build training modules for others. He also teaches herpetology and advocates for habitat conservation amid urbanization. For Avinash, rescuers are more than responders—they're educators bridging fear and science, working toward coexistence and safer, informed communities.






    © 2025 Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology and the individual artist-designers of the works. All rights reserved.
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