At eighty, when most of us would imagine a man slowing down, Inam Al Haque remains forever young. On his eightieth birthday, he stands before us as the same ever-energetic Nisorg-Manob-a man of nature-our mentor, friend, and beloved elder. Those who come close to him rediscover themselves, finding new meaning in life through his company.

The book "Nisorg-Manob Inam Al Haque" is a heartfelt tribute, a commemorative volume filled with memories, stories, and reflections from friends and admirers. What greater achievement can a man have than to be so deeply loved by countless people? Bird enthusiast, mountain lover, nature devotee, and above all, a selfless human being-his admirers have written about him with affection and reverence. This book was unveiled as a birthday surprise by Inam Al Haque himself, in the presence of those who cherish him most.

Edited by Golam Shafik and published by Cosmos Books-with the support of Cosmos Foundation, Cosmos Gallery, and WildTeam-the commemorative volume is elegantly produced. Its paperback edition, clean typography, and thoughtful design make it a delight to hold and read. The cover features a striking sketch of Inam Al Haque by artist Kalidas Karmakar, his childhood friend. Designed by Arkcon's ARK Ripon, the book blends art, memory, and love. Priced at Tk. 800, the book is dedicated to the countless bird-lovers, tree-enthusiasts, nature defenders, mountain admirers, and adventurous souls who follow in his footsteps.

Inside, readers will also find other artworks: a portrait sketch by artist Mamun Hossain-depicting Haque as one with birds-and a watercolor by Sourav Chowdhury, symbolizing his love for owls. The final pages carry stunning photographs taken by Inam Al Haque himself, alongside glimpses of his lifelong work in conservation and exploration.

Golam Shafik introduces the book with a poignant question: "Is Inam Al Haque our mentor or our friend?" The truth is, he is both-an affectionate teacher whose lessons feel like friendship, whose knowledge is a gift of nature itself.

His love for birds resonates deeply with the poetry of Jibanananda Das, whom he considered a favorite poet. Just as Jibanananda defended even the vulture-reviled by many-Haque has spent years working tirelessly to study and conserve this endangered species. His heart is that of a poet; he admires Coleridge, Ted Hughes, and Joyce Kilmer for their nature-infused verses, and he enriches us with not only scientific knowledge but also a poetic understanding of the natural world.

From explaining the woodpecker's unique brain cushion that prevents injury, to dispelling myths about so-called "ferocious" animals, Haque educates us with both science and compassion. For him, nature is not to be feared but to be understood.

The book gathers voices of distinguished personalities-each reflecting on how Inam Al Haque has touched their lives. Contributors include Everest summiteers MA Muhit and Ikramul Hasan Shakil, senior government official Jalal Ahmed, globetrotter Tarek Anu, artist Dhruva Esh, ophthalmologist Dr. Niaz Abdur Rahman, writer Faruq Moeenuddin, tiger expert Monirul Khan, television personality Mukit Majumder Babu, Cosmos Group founder Enayetullah Khan, and many more.

Bangladesh's first woman mountaineer, Sadia Sultana, recalls how meeting Inam Haque as a student changed her life, leading her to the Himalayas and beyond. She writes with gratitude: "In a country where most girls struggle to receive even basic education, I was able to train in mountaineering and see the wonders of nature with my own eyes-thanks to Inam bhai. He guided me like a father guiding his child's first steps."

Traveler and writer Tarek Anu recounts unforgettable journeys with Haque-from Antarctica to art museums across Europe. He remembers Haque as a man who never boasts of his achievements: "When I once called him the first Bangladeshi to visit Antarctica, he laughed it off, saying-'Maybe the first from Mahakhali, but who knows about the whole country?' Such was his humility."

Most recently, Everest summiteer Ikramul Hasan Shakil dedicated his tribute to Haque, writing: "If there is a true guiding light in my life, it is Inam Al Haque. He taught me to 'see'-not just with the eyes, but with the heart. He showed me how to listen to mountains, how to capture the soul of a bird through patience, how to read rivers like open books. His words-'There is no greater education than learning the language of nature'-remain my lifelong mantra."

For over twenty years, I have been privileged to know him personally. Every conversation with him has been a lesson. He presents even the simplest of things with such beauty and clarity, never with negativity, always with hope.

Inam Al Haque is, truly, a remarkable man. May he remain with us for many more years, spreading his light, his love, and his wisdom.