By Rithwik Sunda
We need all kinds of people to go out into the natural world, meet others, and find different ways to use their skills to further the message of nature conservation, and ensure intersectionality* in the movement.
When you think of a conservation career, images of a wildlife biologist soaked in mud tracking elusive species, or a ranger patrolling vast reserves might come to mind. Perhaps even a scientist in a lab analysing data. While these roles are essential, is that all conservation entails? Not quite. With each passing day, the effects of climate change become more visible, the clock ticks on humanity’s future, and we risk losing rich wildlife forever.
Now, more than ever, we need people with diverse skills to join the fight and ensure intersectionality in conservation. We need storytellers to inspire action, lawyers and policy experts to push for environmental justice, fundraisers to drive projects, and businesses to shift to sustainability. Historians, artists, journalists – everyone has a role to play. No matter your background, the planet needs you. Sanctuary spoke to professionals in conservation who have carved out their niche and are working to build a healthier planet.
Nikhil John leads nature trails for WWF-India. Photo Courtesy: Nikhil John.
NDTV senior news anchor and environmental reporter Gargi Rawat graduated with an honours degree in economics. While her classmates pursued careers in business management, she found that path unappealing. Drawn to nature since childhood, she joined NDTV with aspirations of creating wildlife documentaries, ultimately becoming part of India’s first wildlife television programme, Born Wild. At NDTV, Rawat has reported on several pressing issues, particularly the growing human-animal conflict. She emphasises, “Even if young people don’t choose environmental journalism, they can still support important causes by staying informed and educated.”
Gargi Rawat interviewing Dr. Anish Andheria, President of the Wildlife Conservation Trust. Photo Courtesy: Gargi Rawat.
In 2017, Nikhil John had no special connection with birds; he was focused on his urban planning degree, enjoying his time in a boy band, and preparing for the Indian Army. A volunteering opportunity with WWF-India that year changed everything. Now, when he’s not leading nature trails and conducting biodiversity surveys as a naturalist for WWF-India, he is busy identifying warblers for his former students over WhatsApp. He says, “Adaptability is key. You might start in one profession, but your passion for the environment can open unexpected doors. Whether you’re in the corporate world, teaching, or behind a camera, you can contribute. Learn new skills, try different approaches, and find ways to give back. Have grit and be ready to get your hands dirty.”
Wildlife biologist Dr. Vibhu Prakash helped save vultures from near extinction in India. Photo Courtesy: Dr. Vibhu Prakash.
Megha Moorthy, editor-in-chief of Roundglass Sustain, was initially uninformed about the nature surrounding her. However, setting up her organisation marked a turning point. She realised that the roads she once walked without noticing were suddenly alive with birdsong and butterflies. Through her work, this is the gift she wants to give readers and audiences – a new way of seeing the world around them. Her advice for young people entering the field is, “There is no right or wrong path; we need all kinds of people. Get out into the natural world, meet others, and find ways to use your skills to further the message.”
Megha Moorthy in conversation with Bittu Sahgal in Dachigam, Kashmir. Photo Courtesy: Megha Moorthy.
History Tells Us…
Growing up in the Palamau Tiger Reserve, Raza Kazmi harboured a curiosity about the past, often asking elders about the animals that used to be seen, in what numbers, and where. Yet, Kazmi did not follow a conventional path to a career in conservation. He completed an electrical engineering degree but went on to establish himself as a wildlife historian, writer, and conservationist. Today, he is an archivist with the National Centre for Biological Sciences and a conservation communicator with the Wildlife Conservation Trust. “I had a strong desire to write about wildlife history and lesser-known places, places that had no conservation voices, and I kept writing. After persisting, I got my writing breakthroughs, and my work started to be well received by readers and editors,” he says.
Raza Kazmi’s childhood was spent in the wilds with his father IFS officer S.E.H. Kazmi. Photo Courtesy: Raza Kazmi.
Not everyone working to protect the planet is in the Arctic tracking polar bears or in the Sahara searching for vipers. Some are in libraries, some in newsrooms, some counting dragonflies in their backyard, others raising funds for conservation, and some... reading this issue of Sanctuary Cub.
Rithwik Sundar is an Assistant Editor at Sanctuary Asia. He enjoys walking in nature, watching birds, and looking for fish in streams. Most days, he is planning his next adventure into the wild. Lately, he’s also gotten into watching anime.
