In the heart of Maharashtra’s forests, where the calls of wildlife echo through the trees and conservation is a way of life, the BNHS team’s journey stands out; a tale of grit, passion, and unwavering dedication to nature.
The Green Warrior: Mr Saurabh Dande’s Journey from Volunteer to Pillar of BNHS-NPCI Research Centre, Bhisi
Mr Saurabh Dande, who spearheads the central Indian landscape, is now a cornerstone of the BNHS Education and Research Centre in Bhisi, Nagpur. He began his path not with privilege but with purpose.
A Spark Ignited: The Tadoba Camp That Changed Everything
It was 2005, and Saurabh was a junior college student facing financial constraints. Yet, when he heard about a BNHS Nature Camp at Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, he made a bold decision. With just enough money for a bus ticket, he joined the camp organised by Mr Sanjay Karkare, a former Assistant Director at BNHS. Sleeping in tents under the winter sky, waking to morning safaris, and walking nature trails—those two days etched a permanent mark on his soul. “Those two days stayed in my mind forever,” Saurabh recalls.
Though his initial dream was to serve in the Indian Army, fate had other plans. “If not a soldier with a gun, I wanted to be a soldier for the environment—a green warrior,” he says.
Planting Roots: From Tadoba Mitra to Snake Rescuer In 2007, a chance meeting with Anil Dahule, a BNHS field assistant, opened doors to volunteering. Saurabh co-founded ‘Tadoba Mitra’, a youth group that supported BNHS activities like machan censuses and nature surveys. His passion for wildlife led him to snake rescue work, where Yuvraj Muraskar trained him to become the first rescuer in Chimur taluka, Chandrapur. Saurabh travelled village to village, ensuring the safety of both snakes and humans—a role that deepened when he officially joined BNHS.
Saurabh assisted in monitoring a collared conflict tigress, relocated to Bor Tiger Reserve, showcasing his hands-on role in wildlife management.
From Volunteer to Visionary: The BNHS Journey
Between 2007 and 2012, Saurabh worked as a volunteer, driven by love for nature. His dedication was rewarded when he became an Assistant Education Officer under the SLTP Project in 2012. One of his first missions? Reviving over 1,400 defunct biogas plants across selected TR of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh to reduce firewood use and human-wildlife conflict.
Empowering Communities: Conservation Through Education Promoted to Community Officer in 2017, Saurabh led IUCN-supported programs promoting smokeless stoves in 12 villages. He conducted tiger corridor studies between NNTR and Pench, camera-trap monitoring, and monthly school awareness programs.
Saurabh’s work addressed critical issues like tendu leaf and mahua collection, grazing, and firewood extraction, key drivers of human-animal conflict.
Building BNHS education, research and training centre at Bhisi, Nagpur: A Dream Realised
In 2013, Saurabh helped BNHS identify and acquire a 19-acre plot for its research and education centre in Bhisi. From scouting land to overseeing development, he was involved every step of the way.“The BNHS Research Centre, Bhisi, stands strong today because of his vision, effort, and dedication,” say his colleagues.
Challenges and Triumphs
Saurabh’s journey wasn’t easy. From financial hurdles to navigating remote terrains and sceptical communities, he faced it all with resilience. His story is a testament to how one person’s commitment can transform landscapes—both ecological and social. Mr Saurabh Dande’s life is a living example of how passion, when paired with perseverance, can lead to profound impact. He didn’t just find a career—he built a legacy.
The Journey of Dedication: Mr Charandas Bapurao Shende – 19 Years with BNHS
In the lush wilderness of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, where the forest breathes life into every corner of the land, one man’s quiet yet powerful journey stands as a beacon of dedication. Mr Charandas Bapurao Shende, a humble son of a farmer from Kolara village, has spent nearly two decades nurturing the bond between nature and community through his work with the BNHS.
From Truck Conductor to Conservationist
Charandas’s early life was shaped by the rhythms of rural Maharashtra fields, forests, and the wildlife that roamed freely. With limited opportunities in his village, he ventured out to work as a truck conductor and later as a driver. Life on the road taught him discipline and resilience, but fate had a different path in store. During a visit home in 2006, he was called upon to drive Mr Sanjay Karkare, then Assistant Director of BNHS, when the team’s driver fell ill. His calm demeanour and responsible nature left a lasting impression. The very next day, Mr Karkare offered him a position with BNHS, a moment that changed Charandas’s life forever.
Growing with Nature: Learning and Leading
Since joining BNHS on 17th July 2006, Charandas immersed himself in the world of conservation. He learned bird identification, natural history, and ecological observation. His role expanded beyond logistics—he became a vital part of BNHS’s field operations, contributing to:
- School and village awareness programs
- Forest guard and guide training
- Birdwatching camps and nature education
A Voice for the Forest Charandas’s impact goes beyond his duties. He inspires youth from buffer villages to see the forest not as a threat, but as a treasure. His story proves that conservation isn’t just about science, it’s about heart, humility, and human connection. “There is no life beyond BNHS,” he says, reflecting his profound attachment to the organisation and its mission.
Charandas’s deepening love for wildlife and nature transformed him into a trusted bridge between conservationists and local communities.
A Memorable Moment in Kanha
One of Charandas’s most unforgettable experiences occurred during a field assignment in Kanha, Madhya Pradesh. While crossing a riverbed, the vehicle got stuck in thick mud. With no help nearby, he remained calm, used his quick thinking, and worked with the team to free the car. It was a moment that tested his patience and teamwork—qualities that define his approach to life and work.
A Legacy of Simplicity and Service
From navigating forest trails to guiding awareness programs, Charandas’s 19-year journey is a testament to what true dedication looks like. His story reminds us that conservation begins with passion, and sometimes, a single act of kindness—like offering to drive through the forest—can lead to a lifetime of purpose. Mr Charandas Shende’s journey is not just a career—it’s a calling. His life is a quiet revolution, proving that anyone, regardless of background, can become a guardian of nature.
Journey of a Nature Guardian: The Story of Shashank Ladekar, a newly joined team member
In the heart of Gondia’s lush landscapes, where wetlands shimmer and forests whisper ancient tales, a young boy once found inspiration in the story of India’s “Birdman,” Dr Salim Ali. That boy was Shashank Ladekar—and today, his life is a living testament to how a childhood spark can ignite a lifelong conservation mission.
A Feathered Beginning
Shashank’s journey began in the 6th standard, when a school lesson on Dr Salim Ali opened his eyes to the wonders of birds and their behaviours. Fascinated, he started collecting feathers and observing how animals cared for their young. These early curiosities laid the foundation for a deeper connection with nature. By the 9th standard, his passion took a bold turn, he began rescuing snakes in his neighbourhood. What started as a brave hobby soon became a calling. By 2015, he had rescued over 3,000 snakes, earning recognition from local authorities and public representatives.
From Volunteer to Voice for Wildlife
In 2010, under the mentorship of Patole Sir, Shashank joined Gondia Nisarg Mandal as a volunteer rescuer. His commitment was unwavering. In 2012, he conducted awareness programs across 17 villages—riding his motorbike with large Sarus Crane awareness boards strapped to it. One such ride left him with a serious head injury, but even a blood clot couldn’t deter his resolve. “The purpose was greater than my discomfort,” he says, a mantra that would define his journey.
When Conflict Meets Compassion
A tragic incident in December 2012, where a tigress killed five women in Navegaon Bandh, brought Shashank face-to-face with the harsh realities of human-wildlife conflict. Working alongside Mr Sawan Bahekar, then Wildlife Warden of Gondia, he deepened his commitment to mitigating such conflicts. In 2014, he co-founded a new NGO with fellow conservationists, supporting the Forest Department in camera trap surveys and awareness drives in the Nawegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve (NNTR).
Leading the Frontlines with TRACT
A pivotal moment came when Mrs Poonam Dhanwatey offered him the role of Project Coordinator with TRACT (Tiger Research and Conservation Trust). For five years, Shashank led the formation of Protection and Rapid Response Teams (PRTs) across 95 buffer villages and conducted school- and community-awareness programs. A training stint at CWS, Bhadra Tiger Reserve, further sharpened his skills in nature education—especially in engaging children through games and storytelling.
Shashank’s growing involvement in community outreach led him to pursue a Master’s in Social Work, equipping him with the tools to blend conservation with grassroots engagement.
Championing the Sarus Crane and Wetland Conservation
In 2020, Shashank joined Dr Shivona Bhojwani’s PhD research on Gondia’s wetlands and Sarus Crane habitats. Over four years, he conducted bird and vegetation surveys, installed groundwater monitoring wells, and used sonar devices to track water levels. His dedication bore fruit in 2023 when he received the Sanctuary Asia “Mud on Boots” Small Grant. With it, he established Biodiversity Committees and conducted awareness programs in 20 schools. Later, with support from the Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT), he expanded these efforts to 20 more villages and schools, creating educational materials and Sarus Crane awareness posters for community use.
A Dream Fulfilled: Joining BNHS
Throughout his journey, one dream remained constant—to work with BNHS, the very institution founded by his childhood hero, Dr Salim Ali. After two attempts and encouragement from his friend and mentor, Mr Saurabh Dhande, Shashank finally joined BNHS as an Education Officer at Tadoba. “Working with school children, inspiring them to love and protect nature, and carrying forward the legacy of Dr Salim Ali has become not just my career, but my life’s purpose.”
Shashank Ladekar’s story is a powerful reminder that conservation is not just about protecting species—it’s about nurturing a lifelong relationship with nature, one child, one village, and one bird at a time.