Arvind Chudasama, a name that resonates with artistic excellence and animation prowess, finds himself on a euphoric cloud of accomplishment, and rightfully so. His opus, the book titled ‘Hu Gir No Sinh,’ has gracefully embraced the applause of its readers, while a second cascade of elation surged forth when this very creation was inaugurated by the Honorable Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shree Bhupendrabhai Patel, on the auspicious occasion of International Lion Day, the 10th of August 2023.
A masterstroke of design and self-expression, ‘Hu Gir No Sinh’ is the brainchild of Arvind Chudasama, a visionary who ingeniously crafted one of the foremost illustration books on the majestic Asiatic Lion, elegantly penned in both Gujarati and English. This offering stands as an exquisite visual saga, tailor-made for aficionados of illustrative storytelling.
In the words of Arvind himself, “Our journey to make this book an embodiment of uniqueness and thrill led us to a revelation: by enshrining the lion as the protagonist, we can truly enliven the essence. Through the lion’s own perspective, we traverse his odyssey from far-reaching lands to the enchanting bosom of the Gir forests.”
When did the allure of the Gir Lions captivate him? To this, Arvind Chudasama reminisces, “Sasan-Gir, a realm proximate to my hometown Veraval, Somnath, etched indelible memories in my childhood. Pilgrimages to the temples surrounding the Gir forest always held the tantalizing prospect of encountering the ‘king of the jungle.’ A visit to the Junagadh Zoo was never missed, as it offered glimpses of the awe-inspiring Asiatic lion. The regal beasts left an indelible mark on me, fostering a penchant for sketching them in my school notebooks. These cherished recollections and narratives have been instrumental in giving life to ‘Hu Gir No Sinh.’ The conception of this work has been a lifelong companion, and now it blossoms into reality.”
Beyond his literary exploits, Arvind Chudasama stands tall as an acclaimed artist and animator. With a career spanning over two decades, he has graced numerous pre-production and final execution stages of film and commercial projects, propelled by an unwavering ardor for arts and animation. He holds a diploma in Painting from C.N Fine Arts College, Ahmedabad, and Animation from Zica, Hyderabad.
How did the seed of this remarkable book germinate? Arvind Chudasama reflects, “Amidst the labyrinthine trials of the pandemic, when time seemed to meander without end, a conception sprouted within me. I resolved to transmute this temporal sprawl into a crucible of creativity, channeling my energies into the illustration of a long-cherished vision. What could be more fitting than crafting a tome about the lions of Gir, who have perpetually enchanted me?”
Arvind Chudasama’s heart brims with gratitude towards those who lent their support in transforming his dream into reality. “With immeasurable indebtedness, I extend my appreciation to Urvashi Maru, my eloquent writer, whose words breathed life into my art, endowing the Lions of Gir with a voice that echoes with simplicity and beauty. My unshakable life partner, Chandni Chudasama, and our daughter, Kanishka Chudasama, deserve accolades for their unwavering faith in my abilities, pivotal in materializing this venture. Their presence and encouragement have been the cornerstone of this odyssey. A special mention goes to my dear friend, Alpesh Patel (fondly known as Appu), whose support and ever-present smile have been a guiding light. Mr. Ramesh Dholeriya and Mr. Ramnik Chhaya, with their exceptional dedication and expertise, turned my vision into reality through their printing prowess.”
The luminous acknowledgments extend to the Honorable Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, who not only endorsed the book’s concept and art but also took the privilege of launching it on International Lion Day. Equally laudable contributions were made by Shri Mulubhai Bera, Minister of Tourism, Cultural Activities, Forest & Environment, and Climate Change, Government of Gujarat, along with Mr. N. Shrivastava (IFS), principal chief conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden, Gujarat. Their support and guidance forged the path for ‘Hu Gir No Sinh’ to grace the world.
In closing, Arvind Chudasama’s sentiments ring true, “The book stands as an epitome of simplicity, marrying images with words in a delightful dance. Our fervent hope is that you get intimately acquainted with the lions of Gir, rekindling your love for their majestic aura. May it serve as a perennial reminder of the resplendent Gir forests.”
