The Unlikely Hero

Unlike the others in his community, who traditionally have owned 100-200 swimming camels, Jusab Jat owns only 5 swimming camels. Jat grew up swimming with the camels like other herders. However, his penchant for camel milk & his love for his favourite camel, Kari,

have led him to take it upon himself to help with the problems of his community in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

The Jats are nomadic caught in the crossfire of migration and identity. The grazing areas for the camels fall under the jurisdiction of Marine National Park. With the state's effort towards mangrove conservation, the state has restricted the camel's access to forest resources. Jusab says, 'The marine guards constantly fine us for grazing without a license and blame the camels for eating new growing shoots of the mangroves.