A 14-year-old student from a school in Dubai is gaining recognition for his contributions to wildlife conservation through his podcast and literature. Smayan Sethi is not only raising awareness about the significance of environmental protection but is also channeling all the earnings from his books and podcast into conservation initiatives.
An Indian expatriate, Sethi has released two books thus far, but it is his podcast, Conservation Calls, that has captured considerable attention.
Recorded in his school’s studio, the podcast tackles urgent environmental issues, particularly focusing on animal conservation, and is supported by the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (MBZSCF).
As of now, Sethi has produced approximately 12 episodes, highlighting critical subjects such as habitat destruction and the impacts of climate change on wildlife.
‘Connecting with the youth’
In a conversation with Khaleej Times, the Grade 9 student from Repton School Dubai expressed, “Podcasts are a fantastic medium for connecting with others through storytelling. They enable us to share vital messages about global challenges and foster impact.
“The younger generation tends to gravitate towards podcasts over conventional media. There is, in fact, greater potential for action through podcasts compared to other formats.”
With a strong belief in storytelling’s effectiveness, Sethi utilizes his platform to bring to light the endeavors of conservationists globally. He donates all profits from his works to the MBZSCF, which has backed over 2,800 species conservation efforts and has played a role in conserving more than 1,750 species from extinction.
“With Conservation Calls, I aim to showcase the global efforts made in addressing animal conservation issues. I aspire to contribute positively to the numerous endangered species,” he shared.
Among his standout episodes is one about a groundbreaking discovery in Hawaii, where drones were employed to find a previously extinct plant species in remote mountain regions. He praised this ‘innovative approach’ as a demonstration of how technology is transforming conservation practices.
Bridging fiction and reality
Sethi’s latest book, Shadows of the New World, explores environmental themes and he believes that writing serves as a means to involve readers with real-world problems. “My imagination was crucial, and my passion for reading significantly influenced my writing.”
“Since childhood, I have immersed myself in various genres of books, which not only stimulated me intellectually but also broadened my creativity. Writing has become my avenue for expressing my feelings and ideas to others,” he noted.
In this novel, the main character undertakes a journey to protect land from being developed into a factory—an issue that resonates deeply with Sethi. “I have observed similar recurring environmental themes in my surroundings, which motivated me to link my fictional narratives to real-world ecological concerns,” he elaborated.
A keen debater, Sethi believes that the voices of young individuals are vital in crafting a better future.
“I find that debating not only enhances my communication skills but also provides me with deep insights, both in the classroom and from global perspectives. This exposure helps me to approach problems in innovative and varied ways.”
Nandini Sircar
Nandini Sircar has a keen interest in education, space exploration, and women’s stories. She perceives the world through a…More