Vikram Nanjappa: Bridging Wildlife, Photography, and Conservation in Kabini on My Mind

Bengaluru: Vikram Nanjappa, author of Kabini on My Mind, is a name synonymous with wildlife, photography, and conservation in India. A man whose journey from the world of tea plantations to one of India’s premier wildlife destinations, Kabini, has been a fascinating one. Known for his unconventional approach to wildlife conservation and his deep respect for traditional knowledge, Nanjappa offers fresh insights into an often polarized world of nature preservation.

I sat down with Vikram to dive deeper into his thoughts on wildlife, his inspirations, and his journey as a “well-informed amateur” in his words, in the field.

Vikram, you’ve described yourself as an “interested and well-informed amateur.” How did this label come to be, and what does it mean to you, especially in the context of your work in wildlife and conservation?

I’m often compared to the 19th-century Europeans called Orientalists, who were primarily administrators or soldiers with a deep passion for Eastern cultures, languages, and philosophy. Much like them, I have always been an enthusiast with a keen interest in wildlife and photography. Back in the day, we were encouraged to pursue hobbies outside our academics—wildlife, for me, was one of those. While others may describe it as a ‘passion,’ I prefer to call it a hobby. Passion is often tied to an intensity that I think is better suited to other contexts.

Your journey into wildlife started with the shikar tales you encountered at Mayo College. Can you share how these early influences shaped your love for nature?

Yes, the stories of shikar—mainly from India and Africa—were my first windows into the wild. As a young boy, I always imagined myself with a gun rather than a camera. But over the years, I developed a deep respect for the traditions around hunting. There was a time when hunting was more regulated and came with a deeper appreciation for nature than we often see with wildlife photography today. It’s an unconventional view, and I know many might disagree, but there was a certain bond between the hunter and the hunted that I believe we’ve lost in modern wildlife photography.

You worked in the tea plantations in Kerala and the Duars for years. How did that experience influence your journey in wildlife photography?

My interest in photography began back in school, but it was only when I moved to tea plantations that I had the opportunity to engage with wildlife photography seriously. The Duars, in particular, opened my eyes to the raw power and beauty of elephants. They’ve since become a central focus in my work. Those close encounters with elephants were transformative and played a big role in shaping my career.

In Kabini on My Mind, you emphasize a deep connection between ‘Man and Nature.’ How do you see the balance between human development and wildlife conservation, especially in a developing country like India?

India, for all its rapid development, has an intrinsic tolerance for wildlife. We’ve coexisted with nature for centuries, even if the relationship is sometimes strained. Unlike the West, where wildlife has been largely sidelined, we have an understanding and a bond with our land and its creatures. Yes, there are conflicts, but I believe we have the ability to coexist with wildlife, including large predators, in ways that many other parts of the world don’t.

You’ve criticized the “tabloid portrayal” of wildlife, especially in the age of social media. Could you elaborate on your concerns?

In today’s world, everyone is competing for attention, and unfortunately, that often leads to sensationalized portrayals of wildlife. Social media and platforms like WhatsApp tend to spread misinformation, and the focus often shifts to aberrant animal behavior. We need to move away from this. It’s not about showcasing shocking encounters; it’s about portraying wildlife in its true, natural state, with respect and reverence.

How do you think traditional knowledge and field skills can be integrated with modern scientific approaches to improve conservation efforts?

Science, for all its advancements, has become a bit dogmatic and commercialized. I address this in my chapter ‘The Mystic Naturalist.’ We need a more balanced approach, where traditional field knowledge is merged with modern scientific practices. The best way to conserve wildlife is by understanding it from both angles. Science has its place, but it shouldn’t overshadow the wisdom of those who’ve lived and worked in nature for generations.”

Moving to Kabini must have been a life-changing experience. How did your transition from managing a tea estate to becoming a naturalist in Kabini unfold?

The transition was incredibly smooth. By then, I was already involved with wildlife photography, and moving to Kabini felt like a natural progression. I was doing exactly what I wanted to do. That Kabini became one of India’s premier wildlife destinations is a coincidence—it was more about my personal journey into a space I was passionate about.

What challenges did you face while shaping Kabini into the wildlife resort it is today, especially balancing conservation efforts with guest experiences?

One of the biggest challenges was ensuring that tourism didn’t harm the natural environment. At the same time, Kabini had to be accessible to guests, so finding that balance was key. It’s something that’s still a challenge for the tourism industry in India, and while there are exceptions, many resorts do little for wildlife conservation.

After your time in Kabini, you ventured into wildlife conservation with the Asian Nature Conservation Foundation. Can you share any memorable wildlife encounter that profoundly impacted you?

Ha ha, if you want to hear about memorable encounters, you’ll have to read my book! It’s filled with experiences that changed my understanding of wildlife forever. The connections I made with elephants, leopards, and other wildlife were transformative.

From your work in the private sector to your involvement in NGOs, how did your role in wildlife conservation evolve?

I wouldn’t call myself a full-fledged conservationist. I worked in administrative roles in NGOs but never in the field. Today, I’m back in the tourism industry, and I see it as crucial for the sector to contribute to conservation. A ‘conservation cess’ could be levied on profits to ensure that tourism actively contributes to the preservation of wildlife.

As a marketing professional at Evolve Back Resorts, how does your deep understanding of wildlife influence your work?

My knowledge of wildlife is central to my role as a marketer at Evolve Back. If the company hadn’t opened in Kabini, I wouldn’t have joined them. I firmly believe that the tourism industry needs to do more for wildlife conservation, whether voluntarily or through a levy on profits.

What do you think is the most urgent issue facing wildlife conservation in India today?

The biggest issue is governmental apathy. While ordinary citizens can’t change much, extraordinary citizens might be able to shift the government’s approach to wildlife conservation.

With growing pressures from climate change and human encroachment, what are your hopes for the future of wildlife in India?

I’m optimistic. I believe the human race will go extinct before wildlife does. The planet is not in danger—we are. The history of the planet shows that we are a blip, and in the grand scheme of things, our existence is very brief.

Finally, what advice would you give to young naturalists and budding wildlife enthusiasts?

Think for yourselves. Don’t blindly follow others, and question everything. Conservation and life itself are full of complexities—there are no sacred cows.

Vikram Nanjappa’s journey from an amateur wildlife enthusiast to a key figure in India’s wildlife tourism and conservation scene serves as a reminder of the power of passion and the need for balance between nature and human development. His thoughts challenge conventional wisdom, urging us to respect nature, question mainstream portrayals, and adopt a more holistic approach to conservation. Whether you’re a budding naturalist or simply someone who appreciates wildlife, Vikram’s journey offers valuable lessons in understanding, preserving, and enjoying the wild world we live in.

Discover more about Vikram’s incredible journey and his unique perspective on conservation in his book, Kabini on My Mind.