Life of Shepherds in Uttarakhand: A Tale of Simplicity, Hard Work, and Nature

• Kushal Nagnyal, a 70-year-old shepherd from Uttarakhand, exemplifies a life dedicated to animal husbandry amidst the challenging mountain environment.
• He has been rearing goats and sheep since the age of 6, spending his entire life in forests with his flock and wife, Kali Devi.
• His daily routine involves waking at 6 AM, tending to animals, cooking, and grazing his flock in the forest from 9 AM to 6 PM, constantly ensuring their safety.
• Two dogs assist in guarding the flock, one in the forest and another at home, protecting young lambs from threats like tigers and bears.
• Despite the constant dangers from wild animals and harsh weather, Nagnyal embraces his life, viewing it as a way of living deeply connected to nature and tradition.

Why It Matters: The article highlights the arduous yet fulfilling life of mountain shepherds like Kushal Nagnyal in Uttarakhand.