For over half a century, this cultured visionary has walked India’s wilds, drafted ground-breaking policies, catalysed action for lesser-known endangered species and initiated pioneering conservation projects. A scion of the erstwhile royal family of Wankaner in Saurashtra, Gujarat, He was recruited into the Indian Administrative Service in 1961. As Deputy Secretary, Forests and Wildlife of the Government of India, he drafted the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, a piece of legislation that is, till date, the saving grace for India’s wildlife. He was the first Director of Wildlife Preservation of India under this Act, and developed schemes to provide financial assistance to states from the Central Government to establish national parks and sanctuaries. His appointments, past and present, are quite literally too numerous to list. Currently Chairs the Board of Trustees of the WTI.