"CURIOSITY, ROOTED IN NATURE."
Eco-Inspire is my environmental education program designed to spark curiosity and care for nature in students.
Through vivid storytelling, powerful wildlife imagery, and hands-on activities, it helps students see nature not just as a resource, but as a living, shared home. Eco Inspire creates young conservationists and eco-conscious students by connecting them emotionally to the natural world. It was born from my #1 bestselling book The Light of Wilder Things.
A Program Rooted in Nature
The program includes:
- A presentation of my work across India’s wild spaces, with segments on:
- Thrilling stories of tigers, leopards, king cobras, and more
- Realities of wildlife conservation and sustainability
- “What Can You Do?”, imparting practical advice on beginning your sustainability journey
- Insights into writing and storytelling
- A live reading of a section from Ishan’s #1 bestselling book – The Light of Wilder Things.
- Q & A
- Opportunity to purchase signed copies of the book
Inspirational Impact
Now on Stands
“… a blazingly honest account.. witty and engaging…this book ushers us to turn towards Nature and learn from it…”
Shashi Tharoor
MP for Thiruvananthapuram & Author
“Brilliantly written, this book needs to be absorbed by the young who will surely ask…why their elders didnot better savour, respect and savour the light of wilder things.”
Bittu Sahgal
Editor
Sanctuary Asia
“Gives us a fascinating peek into a mind teeming with sharp observations, robust hope as well as an acute observation of what we have lost…I recommend this book to anyone who cares for the planet.”
Dia Mirza
Actor & Goodwill Ambassador
United Nations Environment Program
“A good and unusual story, well-told, conveys, wonder, interest and inquiry. Read this book, enjoy, and tell your friends that you found a jewel in the vast trove of nature-writing.”
Vance G. Martin
President Emeritus
Wilderness Foundation Global
A Teenager’s Search for Nature and Wildlife
Told in a taut, precise, and often startling prose, The Light of Wilder Things is the definitive memoir of a teenagehood like no other, and also an invitation to glimpse India’s rich biodiversity through the lens of a young naturalist.
Bring Eco-Inspire to your School
Subscribe to my Weekly Newsletter
The Owlet
Every Saturday, I share my work along with links about ecology, photography, creativity, and the human condition from across the web directly into your inbox. Join them and get my Wild-India Reading List as a bonus!
FAQs on Eco-Inspire
How long is a session?
Most sessions last 60 minutes, but they can be tailored to fit school timetables and festivals.
Does Eco Inspire include activities?
Yes — besides talks and photography, Eco Inspire includes games, quizzes, and interactive exercises designed to keep students engaged and involved.
Can Eco Inspire be customized for our school?
Absolutely. Sessions are tailored to suit class size, age group, language preference, and the school’s own environmental focus.
What is the core idea behind Eco Inspire?
Eco Inspire was created to help students rediscover their connection with nature through storytelling, wildlife photography, and conversation. It’s not just about facts; it’s about feeling curiosity, empathy, and responsibility toward the living world.
Is Eco Inspire only for educational institutions?
No. While Eco Inspire began in schools, its message has reached far beyond classrooms. The sessions are also conducted for corporates, clubs, and community gatherings—anywhere people are open to reconnecting with nature. For organizations, Eco Inspire serves as a unique team experience that blends storytelling, reflection, and environmental awareness. The essence remains the same: inspiring curiosity, empathy, and action for the planet, no matter the audience.
How does Eco Inspire impact students?
Students leave with a deeper awareness of how nature shapes their world, from the food they eat to the air they breathe. Many schools report students starting eco-clubs, clean-up drives, and awareness campaigns after sessions.
Is Eco Inspire suitable for all age groups?
Yes. The lower age cap is typically around 12 years old.
How can a school or organization host Eco Inspire?
Schools can reach out through the contact form or emailing ishan.shanavas@gmail.com.
Is Eco Inspire only about wildlife?
No. While wildlife is central, the sessions also explore broader ideas like sustainability, coexistence, and how small daily choices impact the planet.
Can Eco Inspire collaborate with NGOs or festivals?
Yes. Eco Inspire regularly partners with cultural events, youth organizations, and sustainability campaigns to reach wider audiences.