A Heartbreaking Loss for India’s Wild
today, India lost its fiercest champion of the wild, Valmik Thapar, whose lifelong dedication to the Royal Bengal Tiger earned him the title “Tiger of India.” Passing away at 73, Thapar leaves behind a monumental legacy in wildlife conservation. Born in Bombay in 1952 to an intellectual family, with his aunt, historian Romila Thapar, he found his true calling in the jungles of Ranthambore National Park. Guided by his mentor, Fateh Singh Rathore of Project Tiger, Thapar’s five-decade journey to protect tigers was marked by passion and tenacity. His profound connection with the legendary tigress Machhli symbolized his devotion, and his loss leaves an irreplaceable void in India’s conservation movement.
Pioneering Tiger Conservation
Thapar’s contributions were transformative, redefining wildlife preservation in India. In 1988, he co-founded the Ranthambhore Foundation, championing community-based efforts to protect tiger habitats. His voice resonated in over 150 government committees, including the National Board for Wildlife and the 2005 Tiger Task Force, where he advocated for stringent anti-poaching measures and inviolate reserves. His dissent in the Task Force report emphasized the need for undisturbed tiger habitats, challenging human-tiger coexistence. Thapar’s critiques of Project Tiger’s bureaucratic flaws, detailed in his book The Last Tiger, pushed for scientific rigor and armed patrols. His stance on relocating T-24 (Ustad), a tiger linked to human deaths, reflected his pragmatic approach to balancing conservation and safety.
A Storyteller for the Wild
Thapar’s genius extended to storytelling, bringing India’s tigers to the world stage. He authored over 30 books, including Tiger Fire: 500 Years of the Tiger in India and Land of the Tiger, blending natural history with cultural narratives. His documentaries, such as the BBC’s Land of the Tiger series and My Tiger Family (2024), immortalized Ranthambore’s tigers, with Machhli’s saga captivating global audiences. Through his evocative narratives, Thapar made the plight of tigers relatable, inspiring action to preserve India’s wildlife heritage.
An Enduring Legacy
Thapar’s relentless efforts turned Ranthambore into a global symbol of tiger conservation. His critiques of initiatives like Project Cheetah, citing unsuitable habitats, showcased his commitment to ecological integrity. Tributes from figures like Jairam Ramesh and conservationists like Neha Sinha reflect his profound impact. Thapar’s stirring words, “If we lose the tiger, we lose the soul of India’s wilderness,” continue to inspire. Though India mourns his loss on May 31, 2025, Thapar’s vision endures in Ranthambore’s thriving tiger population and the resolve of those carrying forward his mission to protect India’s wild heart.