Goa Bird Conservation Network is organizing the second Carl D'Silva Memorial lecture on 20th August 2017 in association with Goa Science Center, Miramar in the memory of Carl D'Silva, who is regarded as one of India's best wildlife artist.
Carl passed away on 19th July 2015 leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in the field of wildlife art and wildlife conservation in Goa. His absence is sorely felt within Goa's birding community. Carl's life however was as colourful as his paintings. So to celebrate his life and to remember his contribution towards Goa's birds and bird watching community, Goa Bird Conservation Network organizes the annual Carl D'Silva memorial lecture in the month of August every year. The 1st memorial lecture was delivered by Dr. Asad Rahmani, one of India's finest ornithologist. This year's memorial lecture will be given by Mr. Shashank Dalvi, Wildlife Biologist who will speak on the "Scope of Science in Indian Ornithology and Conservation". The event will be held at Goa Science Centre, Miramar on August 20 at 5PM. The event is open for all.
Carl a Goan by origin was brought up in Mumbai and trained as an artist at Sir J.J School of Art. He joined the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), a premier organization for wildlife conservation in 1986 where his actual growth as a wildlife artist began. While at BNHS he worked closely with the bird man of India Dr. Salim Ali. Carl has illustrated birds for more than ten internationally acclaimed books on birds, the most famous being Book of Indian Birds written by Dr. Salim Ali. Carl was also the first Indian artist and, to date, the only Indian artist to exhibit his work at London's Mall Galleries on invitation by UK-based premier Wildlife Art consortium and Society of Wildlife Artists.
Carl returned to Goa in 1989 and lived in Taligao since then. While in Goa, he served on the EC of WWF, state coordinator of India Bird Conservation- Goa Chapter and volunteered with many veterinarians to rescue and save birds apart from continuing his art. It was not just wildlife but Carl was also an active campaigner for Solid Waste Management in Panjim City. His greatest contribution to Goa however was mentoring and influencing a generation of children who are now well known wildlifers and bird watchers in the state and have lead many wildlife conservation initiatives in Goa. One such initiative of Carl was bringing together people and informally forming what is today Goa Bird Conservation Network (GBCN). While with GBCN, Carl was the main proponent of organizing the "Birding by Ear" initiative, which involved taking the joy of birds to the children of National Academy of Blind, St. Cruze which was a unique experience for everyone involved.
