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Indian Express
3 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
When Valmik Thapar threw a punch for tigers
Valmik Thapar — Valu, as many of us knew him — was the fiercest voice for the tiger. His gruff, deep voice often resembled a tiger's growl. As an emerging wildlife conservation filmmaker in the 1990s, I knew about him and his tigers of Ranthambore. Even before I began, his first book, With Tigers in the Wild, co-authored with his guru Fateh Singh Rathore and his brother-in-law Tejbir Singh, adorned my bookshelf. After Indira Gandhi, who established Project Tiger to protect the rapidly vanishing animal in 1973, and its first director, Kailash Sankhala, I would place Valmik Thapar as the person who most contributed to the cause of tigers. I attended a talk he gave about his journey and the conservation of the Indian tiger at the Royal Geographic Society in London. His booming voice and the rare behavioural images of tigers, primarily captured by him, kept the audience on the edge of their seats. The evening ended with a standing ovation. The cherry on top was the six-part BBC series The Land of the Tiger filmed and broadcast in 1996-97. Valu was the presenter, traversing the length and breadth of India, unspooling the story of Indian wildlife and its rich biodiversity. As a young filmmaker, I was offered a small role in making the series. Over the years, I bumped into Valu at conservation meetings and would visit his house to discuss collaborative film projects. This invariably led to debates on contentious issues surrounding Indian conservation policy and practice. In my early years of filmmaking during the '80s and '90s, he and I belonged to two distinct conservation spheres. The term 'coexistence' was highly contested, representing a chasm between these two worlds. The one I occupied believed in a historical coexistence between forest dwellers and wild animals, asserting that any conservation policy must incorporate people's physical presence and participation. Conversely, the world inhabited by Valmik and other prominent conservationists and scientists maintained that wildlife should reside in 'inviolate' zones, meaning that forest dwellers and wildlife areas must be entirely separated. The 'inviolate' argument had a royal lineage tracing back to the times of the Maharajas and their protected hunting blocks. It was so deeply entrenched in the formative years of Project Tiger that, to establish the first nine tiger reserves, all forest dwellers, primarily indigenous peoples, were forcibly evicted, rendering these reserves 'inviolate'. Later, in 2001, we traced three Gond and Baiga Adivasis, who were among the original inhabitants of Kanha National Park and had been removed, to film their experiences and conservation vision in There is a Fire in Your Forest. Despite having a great deal of respect and love for one another, these two worlds remained at loggerheads. As a young, wide-eyed learner, it was sometimes amusing to witness these meetings. Both sides were passionate and dedicated to conservation, presenting thoroughly researched and scientific arguments. However, the truth lay somewhere in between. Valmik's inviolate zones for tigers should coexist with multiple-use forest ranges where forest dwellers could sustain their livelihoods. The power and influence of the 'inviolate zone' lobby controlled the narrative for many decades, and the middle ground policy finally began to take form in the early 2000s. The passing of the Forest Rights Act in 2006 marked a milestone moment, creating distinct divisions in the use of natural resources. The tigers and their forest would represent the inviolate range in the tiger reserves and national parks, while the designated community reserves would support the indigenous communities and forest dwellers dependent on forest resources. The democratisation of conservation policies was finally beginning to take shape. Amidst these tectonic shifts in the Indian conservation world, one morning in 2005, The Indian Express reported that all 22 tigers in the Sariska tiger reserve were poached right under the eyes of state protection, signalling the complete collapse of the protection system. Termites had hollowed out the system, and the crumbling of several other tiger reserves subsequently came to light. I jumped to investigate the collapse and made Tigers: The Death Chronicles. I interviewed Valmik for the film. He appeared on camera, disturbed by the developments in Sariska and livid with the likes of me, who proposed participation and coexistence. He was convinced it would never work. He angrily threw a punch and said that all forest areas should be opened and handed over to indigenous people and forest dwellers, and that we should say goodbye to wildlife. Although I disagreed with his harsh counterargument, I couldn't help but be struck by his passion and emotions for the tiger. His reaction was personal, radiating from a deep-seated hurt and love nestled somewhere deep down in his heart. Valmik embodied the deadlock and the eventual transition. He established a non-governmental organisation in his learning nursery, Ranthambore, to collaborate with the local communities. Ultimately, he straddled both worlds to promote holistic conservation in the Indian forests. Valu was an outspoken man who wore his heart on his sleeve, calling a spade a spade. You didn't have to agree with him to admire him for his strong convictions; he thumped the table and spat them out. The lashing out in my film is also a part of this. In today's India, it is unthinkable that a man would be allowed to criticise and work alongside those whom he criticised. That was the respect he commanded. Serious science and scientists like Ullas Karanth and dedicated forest officers and guards have shaped tiger conservation. Global and Indian conservation organisations have helped build the conservation edifice brick by brick. But Valu wasn't part of any organisation, the government, or any scientific institution. He was a lone ranger in love with this animal and became one of its most important supporters. The tigers, especially those of Ranthambore, have lost a friend and will miss him! Bose is a filmmaker, writer and teacher
The Wire
5 days ago
- General
- The Wire
‘Gruff Genius': Tiger Conservationist Valmik Thapar Dies At 73
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now Top Stories 'Gruff Genius': Tiger Conservationist Valmik Thapar Dies At 73 Aathira Perinchery 14 minutes ago Thapar authored more than 30 books, including Tigers: The Secret Life (1989), The Last Tiger (2006) and Living With Tigers (2016). Tiger conservationist Valmik Thapar. Photo: Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now Bengaluru: Valmik Thapar (73), one of India's fiercest tiger conservationists, and filmmaker and author of more than 30 books, died at New Delhi at his residence on the night of May 30, following an illness. He is survived by his wife and son. Senior Congress leader and former union environment Minister Jairam Ramesh who also was the chair of the parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, called it a 'great loss'. 'During my tenure as Chairman of the Standing Committee also he was a constant source of many valuable suggestions and advice. We had arguments but it was always an education to listen to him, full of passion and concern. He was truly an unforgettable one of a kind,' Ramesh added. Stepping into tiger conservation In the mid-1970s, Thapar's fascination for the tiger grew under the tutelage of Fateh Singh Rathore, former park director of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve and National Park. Thapar spent a lot of his time at the Park, tracking, observing and studying the tigers he so loved. He also worked closely with Tiger Watch, a non-profit organisation that Rathore set up for tiger conservation in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. In 1987, Thapar founded the Ranthambore Foundation, to work closely with local communities around the Park. The Foundation launched several welfare programmes such as installing biogas plants in villages so that people would not have to go into forests for firewood, which could bring them into close proximity with tigers. Thapar authored more than 30 books, including Tigers: The Secret Life (1989), The Last Tiger (2006) and Living With Tigers (2016). Thapar was also a prolific filmmaker and wildlife presenter, and is perhaps most well-known for narrating the BBC series Land of The Tiger in 1997, in his trademark booming baritone. Thapar spent nearly five decades advocating for the tiger, and was part of more than 150 state and union government committees. Among them is the Tiger Task Force – constituted by the UPA government that was then in power, following the emptying of Sariska Tiger Reserve of all its tigers – of which he was appointed a member in 2005. 'His gruff genius is what it took for India and the world to acknowledge the tiger's magnificence' Thapar was a staunch critic of the way Project Tiger was run, and the bureaucratic hurdles that came in the way of tiger conservation. He didn't mince words, and often wrote to officials – including chief ministers and prime ministers – pointing out concerns and recommending solutions. He was also an advocate of protectionism, and believed that protected areas had to be inviolate of people; that people had to be removed from these areas to really foster tiger conservation. And yet, Thapar was clear that tigers that were dangerous had to be eliminated or taken away from parks. For instance, he was extremely vocal about how dangerous T-24 – a male tiger in Ranthambore that had killed people including forest guards and partially eaten its kills – was. In 2017, the Sanctuary Nature Foundation conferred on him their Lifetime Service Award – one among many he has received over the years. 'Author of 32 books, including four on Africa, presenter of 16 international documentary films, and an excellent orator, Valmik Thapar's gruff genius is what it took for India and the world to sit up and acknowledge the tiger's magnificence, its predicament, and the urgency for conservation. And for this, we honour him,' Sanctuary's note reads. Make a contribution to Independent Journalism Related News Two Forests Is RBI's New Plan for Bad Loans Just Another Quick Fix? India's Net Foreign Direct Investment Plummets by 96.5% to Reach Record Low Full Text: India is Getting Re-Hyphenated With Pakistan Because Under Modi We're Democratically Regressing India Needs a Clear National Security Strategy—Now More Than Ever China's Latest White Paper is on National Security in the New Era Rise in Share of Profit in GVA Has Not Translated into Increase in Wages: Report Lone NC MP in All-Party Delegations to Not Join His Group, Cites Urs at Native Village After the NEP Verdict, Education Is No Longer the Union Govt's Weapon About Us Contact Us Support Us © Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
News18
5 days ago
- General
- News18
Who Was Valmik Thapar, India's ‘Tiger Man', Who Passed Away At 73?
Last Updated: Valmik Thapar dedicated his life to the study and conservation of wild tigers, especially in Rajasthan's Ranthambore National Park. Valmik Thapar, an eminent wildlife conservationist of India and an author, passed away at 73 at his residence on Saturday morning. He dedicated his life to the conservation of wild tigers, particularly in Rajasthan's Ranthambore National Park. He was the son of Romesh Thapar, a well-known journalist. His aunt is historian Romila Thapar. He graduated with a gold medal in sociology from St Stephen's College, Delhi University, and married theatre artist Sanjana Kapoor, daughter of actor Shashi Kapoor. Thapar was guided by Fateh Singh Rathore, a legendary figure in Indian wildlife conservation and one of the core members of the original Project Tiger team. Who Was Valmik Thapar? Over a career spanning five decades, Valmik Thapar was a tireless advocate for tiger conservation, pushing for stricter anti-poaching laws and the protection of tiger habitats. He served on over 150 government committees and task forces, including the National Board for Wildlife, chaired by the Prime Minister. In 2005, he was appointed to the Tiger Task Force, established by the UPA government to assess the management of tiger reserves after tigers vanished from the Sariska Tiger Reserve. Thapar firmly believed that long-term tiger survival depended on preserving areas free from human activity. He argued that a minimum core area must be managed in its natural state exclusively for tigers. He authored or edited more than 30 books on wildlife, including Land of the Tiger: A Natural History of the Indian Subcontinent (1997) and Tiger Fire: 500 Years of the Tiger in India. He also presented and co-produced several acclaimed wildlife films, notably the six-part BBC series Land of the Tiger (1997), showcasing the Indian subcontinent's biodiversity. In 2024, he appeared in the documentary My Tiger Family, reflecting on 50 years of observing wild tigers in Ranthambore. Thapar was critical of Project Cheetah, warning that India lacks the habitat, prey, and expertise for sustaining free-ranging African cheetahs. First Published: May 31, 2025, 12:00 IST
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Valmik Thapar, wildlife conservationist and author, passes away at 73
Valmik Thapar, one of India's most eminent wildlife conservationists and authors, died at his residence Saturday morning. He was 73. Born in New Delhi in 1952, Thapar dedicated his life to the study and conservation of wild tigers, especially in Rajasthan's Ranthambore National Park. He co-founded the Ranthambhore Foundation in 1988, a non-governmental organisation focused on community-based conservation efforts. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh termed his death a great loss. 'Today's Ranthambore, particularly, is a testimony to his deep commitment and indefatigable zeal. He was uncommonly knowledgeable on a variety of issues relating to biodiversity, and not a day passed during my Ministerial tenure without our talking to each other, with me almost always at the receiving end,' Ramesh posted on X. Valmik Thapar, a legendary figure in the world of conservation over the past four decades - especially tigers - has just passed away. It is a great loss. Today's Ranthambore, particularly, is a testimony to his deep commitment and indefatigable zeal. He was uncommonly… — Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) May 31, 2025 He said that during his tenure as chairman of the Standing Committee, Thapar was a constant source of valuable suggestions and advice. Thapar's father, Romesh Thapar, was a well-known journalist. His aunt is historian Romila Thapar, and his cousin, journalist Karan Thapar. He studied at The Doon School and later graduated with a gold medal in sociology from St Stephen's College, Delhi University. Thapar married theatre artist Sanjana Kapoor, daughter of actor Shashi Kapoor, and they have a son. Thapar was mentored by Fateh Singh Rathore, a legendary figure in Indian conservation and a key member of the original Project Tiger team. Over his five-decade-long career, Thapar strongly lobbied for tougher anti-poaching rules and efforts to protect tiger habitats. He was part of more than 150 government panels and task forces, including the National Board for Wildlife, which is led by the prime minister. In 2005, Thapar was appointed a member of the Tiger Task Force, set up by the UPA government to review the management of tiger reserves following the disappearance of tigers from Sariska Tiger Reserve. When the task force, chaired by environmentalist Sunita Narain, concluded its report, Thapar submitted a dissent note. He expressed concern that the report was overly optimistic about the coexistence of tigers and humans. Thapar argued that for tigers to survive in the long run, certain areas needed to be kept free from human interference. He said that a minimum area should be managed exclusively in its natural form for a tiger. Thapar wrote or edited more than 30 books on wildlife, including Land of the Tiger: A Natural History of the Indian Subcontinent (1997), and Tiger Fire: 500 Years of the Tiger in India. He also presented and co-produced several well-known films for channels like the BBC. One of his more famous works was a six-part series 'Land of the Tiger' (1997), which explored the nature and wildlife of the Indian subcontinent. In 2024, he appeared in the documentary 'My Tiger Family,' which showcased his 50 years of observing wild tigers in Ranthambore National Park. Thapar had strong reservations about Project Cheetah, India's initiative to reintroduce African cheetahs into the wild. He argued that India does not have the necessary habitat or prey base to support free-ranging cheetahs and that the authorities lacked experience in managing spotted felines in the wild. Paying her tributes, conservation biologist Neha Sinha called him 'the international voice of Indian tigers for many many years' and urged people to read his influential books such as 'Tiger Fire' and 'Living with Tigers' as a tribute. Wildlife conservationist Nirmal Ghosh remembered him as 'a giant of tiger conservation' who leaves behind 'a lasting legacy as a global spokesman for the tiger.'
New Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
UN human rights body flags relocation of tribal dwellers from tiger reserves
BHUBANESWAR : The relocation of forest-dwelling tribals from the tiger reserves in Odisha and 17 other states has been flagged by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), one of UN Human Rights Treaty Bodies. Odisha is one among the 18 states where tribals are being displaced from tiger reserves, the allegations of which have been received by CERD under its 'early warning and urgent action procedure' with regard to the situation of tribal and forest-dwelling indigenous people in India. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) had in June last year, asked the then chief wildlife warden to look into relocation of villages from the core/critical tiger habitat areas of the two tiger reserves in the state under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The law mandates that core or critical tiger habitat areas of national parks and sanctuaries are kept inviolate for tiger conservation. NTCA had also pointed out that the village relocation process has been very slow. Odisha has two tiger reserves - Satkosia and Similipal. As per the NTCA reports, the number of villages in the core areas in Satkosia was five (having 157 families) and nine in Similipal (311 families), as on May 27, 2024. The number of villages relocated from the core area since the inception of Project Tiger is one (78 families) in Satkosia and four (247 families) in Similipal. The number of villages remaining in the core areas of both the reserves is 9 and families is 143.
