Guru Purnima arrives every year like a gentle monsoon breeze—cleansing, grounding, and filled with remembrance. For me, it’s more than ritual. It’s a moment to stand still and honour the giants whose shoulders I’ve stood on. In the tapestry of my conservation journey, each thread was guided by hands that taught me patience, precision, empathy, and vision.
Today, I offer gratitude to five mentors who shaped not just my work, but the way I perceive purpose and people.
🕊️ Dr. Asad R. Rahmani – My First Light and Quiet Fire (2004-2015)
The BNHS EIACP program and library served as my testing ground, and Dr. Rahmani was my unwavering guide throughout this journey. His approach to discipline was nothing short of rigorous; he had high expectations, and rightly so. I vividly recall the moment I received a memo regarding my lack of precision while organising scattered reprints. At the time, it felt like a sharp jab to my pride, but in hindsight, it imparted an invaluable lesson about the importance of maintaining high standards in every task. As time progressed and the EIACP program underwent a remarkable transformation, Dr. Rahmani acknowledged my efforts with a heartfelt letter of appreciation. This revival wasn’t merely a physical improvement; it reflected a significant growth in my character and professional identity.
He instilled in me the philosophy that genuine competence must precede any academic accolades. I was not permitted to enrol for a PhD until he was thoroughly convinced of my ability to handle a species as iconic and intricate as the Great Indian Bustard. Although his lessons were often delivered with a stern demeanour, each reprimand was infused with a care for my development.
One of his most remarkable qualities was his habit of responding to every single piece of communication people sent him, regardless of how trivial it may have seemed. This commitment to engaging fully with others has since become a guiding principle in my leadership style, serving as a constant reminder of the impact thoughtful communication can have.
Rahmani sir instilled in me a rare virtue: respond to others not out of obligation, but as an act of grace.
🌿 Dr. Deepak Apte – The One Who Expanded My Horizon (2015-2020)
When Dr. Rahmani retired, the operations of the BNHS ship didn’t falter; instead, they seamlessly changed direction under the steady leadership of Dr. Apte. His visionary approach urged me to broaden my perspective, emphasising the importance of thinking in terms of entire ecosystems rather than isolated sites, and prioritising philosophical foundations over mere project execution.
Encouraged by Dr. Apte’s vision and support, I ventured beyond the familiar landscapes of Maharashtra and became actively involved in other parts of the country. During our discussions about my desire to take a sabbatical to join the Bustard Program at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and deepen my understanding of conservation, he immediately grasped the essence of my intentions, often anticipating my thoughts before I had even fully articulated them.
Later, as I made the pivotal decision to relocate to Rajasthan—a region known for its remaining viable populations of the critically endangered bustard and the elusive florican—he didn’t just offer words of wisdom; he urged me to maximise this opportunity. With a firm yet encouraging tone, he advised, “Make sure you convert this small project into a full-fledged program.” His faith in my abilities was not merely a passive gesture; it was a profound source of empowerment that compelled me to transform my ambitions into tangible outcomes.
He saw conservation not as an end goal, but as an evolving mindset. With him, I learned: boldness must be matched by clarity of intention.
🐾 Dr. Y.V. Jhala – The Scientist Who Walked With Us (2017-18)
Joining the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) under the remarkable leadership of Dr. Jhala was far more than merely a career choice; it felt like answering a profound calling. His intelligence was undeniably compelling, drawing people in with an almost magnetic force. However, it was his compassionate nature and genuine warmth that truly anchored me during my transition. From the very first moment, he not only welcomed me but also my entire family, embracing us with open arms in Dehradun. He took it upon himself to ensure that every detail was addressed, from securing school admissions for my children to finding suitable accommodations for us, making our relocation seamless and stress-free.
Dr. Jhala used to gather his dynamic teams of tiger and bustard researchers, creating an atmosphere filled with a shared enthusiasm for scientific discovery and teamwork. It was during these collaborative sessions that the Bustard Program began to take shape. However, amidst this spirit of innovation, I also witnessed the unfortunate disconnect that can arise when government institutions fail to integrate and fully appreciate the invaluable bonds within communities. This insight ultimately led me to reconsider my path forward, prompting me to decide to move on. Yet, despite that transition, the generosity and mentorship that Dr. Jhala extended to me and my family for one year have continued to resonate in my journey.
Dr Jhala reminded me that even the fiercest minds need softness to stay grounded.
🌾 Dr. Bivash Pandav – The Field Companion Who Never Looked Away (2020-22)
Encountering Dr. Pandav amidst the vast, sun-baked sands of Pokhran during the turbulent COVID-19 pandemic felt like a stroke of fate. He resided in our base camps, which offered basic facilities, and savoured homemade meals that brought warmth and community to our efforts, while embracing the physically demanding tasks involved in habitat restoration.
Dr. Pandav’s engagement extended far beyond mere verbal encouragement; his hands-on support manifested in significant contributions that enabled us to amplify our impact. A key area of focus was the aggressive removal of the invasive Prosopis juliflora, which had long threatened the delicate balance of the local ecosystem.
What I value most about our time together is the way he truly internalised our vision. It wasn’t simply a matter of comprehension for him; he felt the urgency and passion behind our mission aligned with BNHS vision, which made our connection not just professional but profoundly personal. His willingness to be part of our journey during such challenging times left an indelible mark on our collective efforts.
From him, I learned: real leadership comes not from elevation, but from presence.
🦅 Kishor Rithe – The Strategist Who Sees Through Haze (2023 onwards)
As I reflect on my senior years at BNHS, I am grateful to have found a profound mentorship in Kishor Rithe. Our relationship began with mutual respect, but his impact became unmistakably clear once he stepped into the role of Director. His insightful approach to leadership has illuminated a path forward for me; he expertly navigates the intricate web of environmental issues with a keen eye for detail and a remarkable level of patience.
Kishor sir’s visionary mindset has inspired me to expand my focus beyond local projects, encouraging me to think on a grander scale about nationwide conservation strategies. His unwavering support provided a fresh direction for our initiatives aimed at protecting the endangered bustard and florican species. Each step we take is grounded in the realities of fieldwork while being guided by a broader policy context, thanks to his adept framing of our efforts.
What resonates most with me is Kishor sir’s exceptional ability to remember the nuances of our discussions, track our progress, and provide guidance without resorting to micro-management. He empowers me to take the lead on projects, offering thoughtful, discreet suggestions that enhance my approach. Whenever obstacles arise—those stubborn issues that seem insurmountable—he steps in as a brilliant troubleshooter, helping me navigate through challenges and find practical solutions. His mentorship is invaluable and has significantly shaped my growth as a conservation leader.
From him, I’ve come to believe that intuition, trust, and strategy can create miracles in conservation.
🌼 A Final Bow
On this Guru Purnima, I offer my gratitude not just with words, but through every landscape we restore, every community we engage with, and every species we strive to save.
My mentors taught me science and strategy—but more importantly, they showed me how to walk with integrity, listen with empathy, and lead with resolve. May their teachings live on in everything I do. And may I, someday, offer even a fraction of their wisdom to someone still searching for theirs.
Author: Dr Sujit Narwade serves as the Deputy Director, Bustard and Florican Program, at the Bombay Natural Society and leads the BNHS