Valmik Thapar Passes Away Valmik Thapar passed away from cancer on May 31, 2025, at his residence in Kautilya Marg, New Delhi. He was 73 years old. He is survived by his wife, Sanjana Kapoor (daughter of actor Shashi Kapoor), and son, Hamir Thapar. Tributes have poured in: • Jairam Ramesh, former environment minister, called him an “unforgettable one of a kind” whose passion and advice enriched policy debates. • Conservation biologist Neha Sinha described him as “the international voice of Indian tigers”. • Wildlife conservationist Nirmal Ghosh called him a “giant of tiger conservation” and a lasting global spokesman for the tiger. Valmik Thapar’s legacy lives on as a beacon of hope and inspiration in India’s conservation movement. Early Life and Influential Family Background Born in 1952 in Mumbai, Valmik Thapar belonged to an influential family. His father, Romesh Thapar, was a prominent journalist, while his aunt, Romila Thapar, is a renowned historian. His cousin is journalist Karan Thapar. Valmik studied at The Doon School and later graduated with a gold medal in sociology from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University. He was mentored by Fateh Singh Rathore, a legendary figure in Indian conservation and a key member of the original Project Tiger team. Academic Pursuits and Formative Years Valmik’s academic journey in social anthropology and sociology gave him the tools to understand human-nature interactions. His career in wildlife conservation began in 1976 at Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, ignited by his bond with Rathore. He founded the Ranthambhore Foundation in 1987, integrating local communities in nearly 100 villages into conservation efforts. Throughout his career, he served on over 150 government panels and was a member of the National Board for Wildlife and the Supreme Court-empowered committee on wildlife. Passionate Field Work and Conservation Philosophy “Thapar was no arm-chair conservationist,” said his family. He spent time in the field, ideating with community elders, forest officers, and managing India’s tiger reserves in all conditions – searing heat, icy cold, rain or shine. His dedication led him to criticize the execution of Project Tiger at various points, demanding stricter anti-poaching measures and stronger habitat protection. He was a leading proponent of innovative tourism that balances wildlife protection and local livelihoods. Renowned Works and Global Recognition Valmik authored nearly 50 books on wildlife, including landmark works like “Land of the Tiger” and “Tiger Fire: 500 Years of the Tiger in India”. His BBC documentaries, including the six-part series “Land of the Tiger” (1997), captured global attention. In 2024, he appeared in the documentary “My Tiger Family”, showcasing his 50 years of observing wild tigers in Ranthambhore National Park. He also criticized Project Cheetah, India’s initiative to reintroduce African cheetahs, arguing that India lacks the habitat or prey base for these big cats. Achievements, Awards, and Lesser-Known Facts Valmik Thapar’s fearless work earned him the Lifetime Service Award from Sanctuary Asia in 2017. Few know he documented rare tiger behaviors, such as male tigers nurturing cubs — a remarkable find. He believed in conservation as a collaborative mission, involving scientists, activists, local leaders, and policymakers. His philosophy: “Valmik did not mince his words, nor shy away from giving suggestions to anyone, treating everyone with equal respect.” He strongly lobbied for areas free from human interference, famously dissenting from the Tiger Task Force (2005) report for being too optimistic about tiger-human coexistence.