Woodstock awards Robert Fleming Jr.

Woodstock awarded its distinguished alumnus and world-renowned naturalist Robert Fleming Jr. at a ceremony on Monday, April 19th. An American who studied at Woodstock, Fleming (Class of 1954) is one of the foremost experts in the natural history and environment of India and Nepal. He has spent most of his life in these countries studying birds, leading tours, treks, and study groups, and working in conservation.

Fleming is the co-author of the popular book 'Birds of Nepal: With reference to Kashmir and Sikkim (1976)', and also of several other texts on birds and the Himalayan environment, such as 'Across the Tibetan Plateau: Ecosystems, Wildlife and Conservation (2007)', 'The General Ecology, Flora, and Fauna of Midland Nepal (1973)', and 'Kathmandu Valley (1987)'. Fleming's work has featured in several journals on birds and nature along with works by Padma Vibhushan winner Salim Ali.

The wild places of the Himalayan Mountain System and the broader South Asian region, along with the cultures developed through complex interactions with their natural world, have inspired Fleming's professional life. In 1974 he founded Nature Himalayas, a company that sponsors natural history travel around the world. Through his company he has led natural history trips in many different parts of the planet, exploring the 2200-mile-long Himalayan Mountain System, as well as most of the biologically distinct regions of Asia. By spreading both understanding and appreciation of these worlds, he has influenced the conservation of many wild places.

Fleming was born in Mussoorie and attended Woodstock from Grade 4 till graduation. "My world started right here in Mussoorie," he explained to a gathering of Woodstock students at Parker Hall on Monday evening, "My worldview was formed right here at Woodstock - through my parents, the school's fundamentals and this beautiful location. I couldn't stay away from the outdoors because of my exposure here!"

Fleming was handed the distinguished alumnus certificate by Rev. TZ Kundan, the vice-president of the Woodstock Board.

Afterwards, Fleming held a quiz and a presentation for the students, as he spoke to them about natural ecosystems in different parts of the world, including Uttrakhand, the Karokoram region, central Africa, the Amazon, Malaysia, and Antartica. He also discussed issues such as natural conservation and global warming.

In 2003, the school's Board of Directors established the Woodstock School Distinguished Alumni Roll as a means of enabling the school to publicly celebrate meritorious alumni for exemplary and recognized lifelong achievement in their given fields or in voluntary philanthropic activities or service, in ways which represent the values that Woodstock School strives to engender in its students.

Up to three alumni are presented with this award every year.