Sujan Jawai: An Interview with Suján Co-Founder Jaisal Singh

Summary

This video follows an individual's lifelong passion for wildlife, especially tracking and photographing tigers in Ranthambore National Park. From childhood experiences in the wild to a professional commitment to conservation, the story highlights a deep connection to nature and wildlife. The speaker discusses their role in a conservation project in Jhalana, where leopards coexist with local communities. The video also touches on the speaker's love for travel, the unique experiences of safaris, and their enjoyment of work that blends wildlife conservation, research, and luxury eco-tourism.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker has a deep connection to wildlife, having spent their childhood tracking and photographing tigers in Ranthambore National Park.
• 😀 Growing up in Ranthambore influenced the speaker's desire to work in wildlife conservation and share their experiences with the world.
• 😀 The speaker values hands-on, real-world learning over academics, with a preference for being out in nature rather than in a classroom.
• 😀 The speaker's love for safari experiences is unwavering, and they express a desire to spend their life immersed in nature.
• 😀 The speaker's packing strategy for safaris is practical and organized, with specific items such as safari shirts, trousers, and binoculars being essential.
• 😀 The speaker first visited the area of Jhalana in 1995, where they saw a leopard for the first time, sparking a deep appreciation for the region's wildlife.
• 😀 In 2013, the speaker returned to Jhalana and recognized the area as an exceptional wildlife destination, particularly for leopards coexisting with humans in a semi-pastoral landscape.
• 😀 The success of the Jhalana camp depends on the goodwill and support of the local community, with 5,000 people benefiting from its operations.
• 😀 The Jhalana camp aims to act as a model for conservation, adopting six local schools and conducting non-invasive leopard research and wildlife conservation projects.
• 😀 The camp and the surrounding area experience seasonal changes, such as flamingos arriving in drier months and migrating ducks and geese in winter.
• 😀 The speaker enjoys the freedom of traveling frequently, meeting new people, experiencing different cuisines, and never feeling bored or like they are working, as their career is centered on things they are passionate about.

Q & A

What sparked the speaker's passion for wildlife?

The speaker's passion for wildlife began in their childhood, specifically through tracking Tigers and photographing them with their father and uncle in Ranthambore National Park.

How did growing up in Ranthambore influence the speaker's life choices?

Growing up in Ranthambore greatly impacted the speaker's life, making them determined to pursue a career in wildlife conservation and education, rather than focusing on academics.

Why did the speaker choose not to attend university?

The speaker chose not to attend university because they were so immersed in their love for the wilderness and didn’t want to leave Ranthambore, where they felt most at home.

What is the speaker's approach to packing for a safari?

The speaker is very organized when it comes to packing for a safari, typically bringing three safari shirts, trousers, a safari jacket, heavy-duty binoculars, and essential hats.

What was the significance of the speaker's first visit to July in 1995?

In 1995, the speaker visited July while playing polo, and it was there that they first saw a leopard in the region, which sparked their deeper connection to the area.

What makes the wildlife experience in July so special?

The wildlife experience in July is unique because it is outside of a national park or reserve, yet it hosts a healthy population of leopards living in harmony with humans in a semi-pastoral landscape.

What role do the local communities play in the conservation efforts in July?

The local communities play a crucial role by providing goodwill and support, which is vital for the success of the conservation efforts, such as the leopard research program.

How does the speaker's camp benefit the local population?

The camp benefits 5,000 people directly through its operations, offering not just employment but also acting as a quasi-social enterprise that supports local initiatives.

What types of wildlife does the speaker encounter in the region during different seasons?

The speaker encounters a variety of wildlife, including flamingos in winter, as well as ducks, geese from Siberia, and Sarrus cranes. The wildlife shifts with the seasons.

What is the speaker’s perspective on travel and its impact on their work?

The speaker views travel as an enriching experience that allows them to meet different people, try diverse cuisines, and encounter new wildlife, which makes their work feel more like enjoyment rather than a chore.