India’s ‘Tiger Man’ Valmik Thapar Passes Away at 73 in Delhi
Why in News?
- Renowned wildlife conservationist Valmik Thapar, widely known as India’s ‘Tiger Man’, passed away at his Kautilya Marg residence in New Delhi on May 31, 2025, after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 73 years old.
Important Key Points:
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Pioneering Conservationist: Valmik Thapar dedicated over four decades to wildlife conservation, particularly focusing on tiger preservation. He co-founded the Ranthambhore Foundation in 1988, emphasizing community-based wildlife preservation.
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Policy Influence: Thapar served on more than 150 central and state government committees, contributing significantly to wildlife policy formulation. He was a member of the Tiger Task Force in 2005, where he advocated for stringent anti-poaching laws and the protection of natural tiger habitats.
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Literary and Media Contributions: An accomplished author and filmmaker, Thapar produced numerous books and documentaries on India’s natural habitats, collaborating with platforms like the BBC, Animal Planet, Discovery, and National Geographic.
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Personal Life: Born in 1952 to journalist Romesh Thapar, Valmik was married to theatre artist Sanjana Kapoor, daughter of actor Shashi Kapoor. They have a son named Hamir.
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Tributes: Prominent figures, including Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, expressed deep condolences, highlighting Thapar’s unparalleled contributions to wildlife conservation.
