Valmik Thapar, a name synonymous with tiger conservation in India, passed away on May 31, 2025, at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy that roars through the nation's forests and the hearts of wildlife enthusiasts. Diagnosed with cancer the previous year, Thapar breathed his last at his residence in New Delhi.
Born in 1952 into a family deeply entrenched in India's political and intellectual landscape – his parents, Romesh and Raj Thapar, founded the influential political journal Seminar – Valmik Thapar's destiny took an unexpected turn when he encountered Fateh Singh Rathore, the then-director of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, in 1976. This meeting ignited a lifelong passion for tigers, setting him on a path that would redefine wildlife conservation in India.
For nearly five decades, Thapar dedicated himself to understanding and protecting India's tiger population. He wasn't a trained biologist; his knowledge stemmed from countless hours spent observing tigers in their natural habitat, particularly in Ranthambore. This immersive approach gave him unparalleled insights into tiger behavior and ecology. He possessed what many describe as an almost familial connection with the tigers of Ranthambore, chronicling their lives, naming them, and fiercely advocating for their well-being. Tigresses like Machli, Padmini, and Krishna became iconic figures in his narratives, transforming scientific observation into compelling stories that captivated the nation.
Thapar authored over two dozen books and presented numerous wildlife documentaries, including the acclaimed BBC series "Land of the Tiger" (1997). These works not only showcased the beauty and majesty of tigers but also highlighted the threats they faced, raising awareness and galvanizing support for conservation efforts. He co-founded the Ranthambhore Foundation in 1988, a non-profit organization that worked to integrate local communities into conservation efforts around the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. The charity worked across almost 100 villages, fostering a symbiotic relationship between the people and the wildlife.
Known for his outspoken nature and unwavering commitment, Thapar was a vocal critic of India's forest bureaucracy. He believed that true conservation required political will, public pressure, and, most importantly, inviolate spaces where tigers could thrive without human interference. He served on numerous government committees and boards, including the National Board for Wildlife and the Tiger Task Force, using these platforms to advocate for stricter anti-poaching measures, habitat protection, and community involvement. Despite his efforts, he often expressed frustration with the slow pace of change and the bureaucratic hurdles that hindered effective conservation. Famously, he dissented from the 2005 Tiger Task Force report, arguing against the overly optimistic view of human-tiger coexistence, a stance that reflected his unwavering belief in prioritizing the tiger's need for undisturbed spaces. He famously stated that "bureaucracy killed more tigers than bullets ever did."
Valmik Thapar's legacy extends beyond his books and documentaries. He mentored countless conservationists, inspired a generation to champion wildlife protection, and left an indelible mark on India's conservation policies. His passing marks the end of an era, but his work ensures that the roar of the tiger will continue to echo through India's forests for generations to come. His fight "was always for inviolate spaces—where the tiger could live free, away from noise, away from humans.” And though he rests now, that fight continues, fueled by the passion he ignited in so many.
