I completed my doctorate from Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science in 2015, examining vocal mimicry of the Greater racket tailed drongo. For the last 15 years, I have lived on and off in the  Biligirirangana Hills, have developed a deep understanding of human-nature interaction and indigenous culture, in collaboration with the Solega people. I have since been working on a range of issues around traditional ecological knowledge among the Solega, which is integral to peaceful coexistence.