Om Books International, in association with Taj Safaris, launches On Safari: the Tiger and the Baobab Tree

Showcasing the finest of wildlife photography in India and Africa

New Delhi, 4 February 2012- Om Books International, in association with Taj Safaris, announced the launch of On Safari: the Tiger and the Baobab Tree by Babi Nobis, today, at an event at the Taj Palace, New Delhi, followed by a panel discussion. The panel discussion comprised of Belinda Wright, Executive Director, Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI); Valmik Thapar, Indian Natural Historian & Tiger Conservationist; and Dr Raghu Chundawat, Conservation Biologist. The coffee table book is a wonderful collection of exquisite wildlife pictures. There will be a 15-day exhibition of selected photographs compiled from the book that will be curated by Tina Nobis – wildlife enthusiast and the better half of the wild life photographer and author Babi Nobis.

The splendid do of the book launch was attended by well-known names like Ann Wright, Valmik Thapar, Yogesh Deveshwar, Sanjana Kapoor, Dr. Raghu Chundawat, Bhaichand Patel, Sanjoy Roy, Sanjay Dutt, Prannoy Roy,  Nafisa Ali,  to name a few.

On Safari: The Tiger and the Baobab Tree richly illustrates the finest of wildlife photography in India and Africa. The book entails pictures wherein the author had captured some breath-taking shots trailing tigers with his lens on the rugged terrains of Kanha, Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, Corbett, Nepal and, of course, the Sunderbans; and lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, rhinos, elephants, wildebeest and more in Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa over the last two decades.

“I feel privileged to be associated with Babi Nobis and Tina Nobis for On Safari: The Tiger and the Baobab Tree, a book that not only showcases wildlife and its relationship with nature but also makes us realise the importance of its existence. It is indeed an honour to have Belinda Wright, Valmik Thapar and Dr Raghu Chundawat on board with us to highlight the intricacies of this power-packed pictorial and raise awareness in matters of wildlife conservation and protection of environment. I would like to thank Taj Palace, Delhi for hosting our event and extending their support. I would also like to thank National Geographic Channel for their support.” said Ajay Mago, Publisher, Om Books International.

“Photographing wildlife, specially dangerous species in their natural environment, has always been a passion. On Safari-The Tiger and the Baobab Tree is the culmination of many years of adventure in the wilderness of Africa and the jungles of India. Tina undertook the production of this book and selectively chose the photographs from my archival collection of thousands and thousands of photographs, both emulsion and digital. Every photograph taken is firmly etched in my memory and I relive every moment even as I go through my book,” says Babi Nobis.

“The book ‘On Safari’ is a collection of memories. To me, these photographs are awe inspiring and putting the book together has been not only been terribly exciting but it has been a labour of love. I am my husband’s biggest fan and critic,” says Tina Nobis.

Renowned wildlife photographer Babi Nobis shares with the reader the alluring magic of wilderness and its majestic inhabitants, in over 250 stunning visuals. Tina Nobis, who has travelled on several safaris and wildlife shoots with her husband, Babi Nobis, is a keen observer of nature, and has beautifully captured the experience that reflects in the book.

According to Ms. Mridula Tangirala, Director, Operations Taj Safaris, “It has been such an honour to be associated with the celebrated wildlife photographer on his book launch. Taj Safaris provides guests with the ultimate interpretive wildlife experience in India based on a proven sustainable ecotourism model. ‘On Safari: The Tiger and the Baobab Tree’ is based on wildlife, which is a reflection of Taj Safaris, that works towards creating and sustaining awareness towards wildlife conservation. The occasion is also being marked by a silent auction of some of the photographs that captures the real essence of flora and fauna that rests in harmony. Also on the auction are 4 Taj Safaris holidays, proceeds of which would go to our Nutrition program for some of the Anganwadi kids around the National Parks”.

Speaking on the launch, Keertan Adhyanthaya, Managing Director, National Geographic Channel Network (India) said, “Nat Geo Wild is pleased to associate with Babi Nobis in his endeavour to showcase the stunning wildlife of our natural planet. On Safari, like the shows on Nat Geo Wild, encourages people to care about our animal kingdom through the use of spectacular visuals and compelling story telling. Uniting with like-minded causes such as this helps the channel engage and inspire all to preserve the amazing creatures that inhabit our world.”

About Om Books International

Om Books International (OBI) has published amongst other genres, several cinema-related titles: A.R Rahman: The Spirit of Music, an authorised biography by Nasreen Munni Kabir; The Dialogue of Pyaasa: Guru Dutt’s Immortal Classic by Nasreen Munni Kabir; Still Reading Khan by Mushtaq Shiekh; Shah Rukh Can by Mushtaq Shiekh; The Original Screenplays of Lage Raho Munna Bhai and 3 Idiots; Bollywood in Posters by SMM Ausaja shortlisted for Vodafone Crossword Award 2010 for non-fiction to name just a few.

Some titles in the pipeline are: The Dialogue of Devdas: Bimal Roy’s Immortal Classic by Nasreen Munni Kabir; Indian Cinema: Love and Passion by Firoze Rangoonwalla; The Bachchans by SMM Ausaja; I’ll Do It My Way: the Incredible Journey of Aamir Khan by Christina Daniels, and many more. Cinema is one of the strongest suits of OBI. Besides, OBI publishes fiction, monographs on art and architecture, photo essays (the latest one being Mumbai, Where Dreams Don't Die by Raghu Rai and Vir Sanghvi; Forts and Palaces of India by Amita Baig and Joginder Singh), Fashion and Lifestyle books, Children's books, Mind, Body and Spirit books.

Om Books International also runs a retail chain of bookstores across Delhi, Gurgaon and Noida, and has a very well-established domestic and international distribution network. It recently opened a book store in Grand Galleria, Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel, and Mumbai.

For further information please contact:

Jennifer Sebastian Howell, Manager-PR & Corporate Communications, Om Books International jennifersebastian@ombooks.com