What People Are Saying
Mane Instinct by Nikhil Thanedar is a product of his magnificent imagination, intricate happenings in animal world, towards an aim of co-operative peaceful living described in one-hundred and four pages! Shamkani, the hero-lion thought his purpose of life is to change the centuries of time-honored practice of animosity and teach all the species of animals co-operative peaceful living and a co-existence in harmony!
It is a story of excellent co-operative work of Shamkani-Lion (Hero) and his associate, ‘Gigantic’ Cape-Buffalo Samson initiated in a region of Serengati, a vast wonderland for wild-life in Tanzania with parts extending in South Kenya!
On the outside Shamkani looked like just another normal male lion. Despite outward appearances, on the inside Shakani’s fire-of-design burned in another way. He was more compassionate towards other lions regardless of their bloodline. As you may imagine lions hyenas do not mix. They are each – others main rivals. Spotted hyenas—largest species ofhyneas grow anywhere from 4 to 5.9 feet long and 2.5 to 2.6 feet in height. They weighed anywhere from 88 to 190 pounds. Female hyenas were dominant than and heavier than male hyenas.
Even-if the hyenas started the fight, Shamakani did not feel good about finishing it. Shamkani always felt he was put on this planet to a larger purpose and he was yet to find that but he would ! When his father returned, he would leave everything he knew and start on the path of destiny. Shamkani gave a small roar and female lion came back-over. “What is your name” he asked. “Neha” was all she replied. Shamkani asked “Have you been following me!” “ I saw you protected my pride from those poachers and I needed to see you-up close.” Neha moved closer as she spoke. “That was very brave, my father was the king those poachers shot, my pride needs you, and I would be very thankful if you could stay!” Shamkani knew she had chosen her as a mate the second she saw him!
Shamkani meets his-life partner Neha ! Shamkani joined Samson-Gigantic Cape-Buffalo, their friendship was turning into something that resembled brotherhood. Shamkani assured Samson his protection. Buffalos and lions started mingling together, trusting each other and helping each other. Shamkani was on a mission. Right now his focus was reaching each-pride in Serengeti to teach them his way of life. Their survival depended on it. He had decided to start with the lion-prides, as they may take the most convincing! After all the lions were the kings and queens on the jungle. If they could be taught, every one else could be taught. They were the influencers, so he would start with them.
Shamkani and Samson travelled to each pride, gaining their trust by endearing themselves ! — to the cubs of each pride and then the females. Once they trusted Shamkani, the – males – would usually listen. Once the lions saw he was willing to surrender for this cause, they thought about it ! If this brave lion was willing to surrender just to teach them better way of life. They could at least give it a try! Shamkani’s mission of preserving life, instead of destroying it was becoming the way of life in Serengeti. Shamkani was thought of not only as a king but as a deity—he was becoming a God among the prides!
Every defenseless creature was safe under Shamkani’s watch. However, Shamkani knew he would need the help from other adults, the heads of the household. The females were were the easiest to persuade, they understood his desire to protect the young and live in harmony, so they were the key; plus they could teach his way to their children from the moment of birth. Shamkani achieved his goal with his zeal!
I very much enjoyed the book Mane Instinct by Nikhil Thanedar. From moment I started reading it I felt like was transported to the plains of Africa and into a pride of lions. I instantly connect to the main characters and the journey that unfolded for them, as they asked questions about the order and the ways of their world.
One of the themes that I really liked was that the main characters are open to make changes and not except status quo and as a result this then influences others well beyond the boundaries or where they live. Great read. I would highly recommend this book.
I enjoyed reading Mane Instinct and found it uplifting, breezing through it in one sitting. I felt inspired with the underlying spiritual messages of trusting intuition, challenging the way things have been and how Shamkani courageously carved out his own path for the greater good of all. I’m looking forward to the next one!.