Nayana Prasannaan

Born and raised in Bengaluru, I cherished my time in the woods. I graduated from the University of Agricultural Sciences Dharwad, which has a beautiful campus. Though my degree is in Agribusiness, I developed a keen interest in ecology and conservation during my studies. This led me to explore various master's programs in these fields. From a young age, I was fascinated by animals and plants, watching them on television and encountering them in the fields. I wanted to pursue a path connected to nature. Spending time by the Cauvery, I witnessed conflicts around the river and Bengaluru's water crisis. I aim to work on balancing freshwater availability and quality for humans and food production while conserving natural ecosystems.

Priyanjali Singh

Growing up in the Land of White Orchids - Kurseong, there was an innate connection with Nature. Wildlife Documentaries and Bird Watching were my escape mechanism. My interest in wildlife studies escalated when I read Jane Goodall’s “Africa in my blood”. Aquatic life and the river system interests me the most. During my undergrad in Delhi I was fortunate enough to meet many esteemed Wildlife Photographers and Environmentalists such as Naresh Bedi, Rajendra Singh and Aishwarya Sridhar who sparked my passion for wildlife and inspired me to make it my career. I am motivated to learn more about River Interlinking and conservation of aquatic life using AI tools. In my leisure time I like to read fiction books, watching movies, bird watching and learning new languages.

Krishi Prasad

I hail from a tea garden in the Dooars region of West Bengal, south of the Himalayas' foothills. Growing up amidst lush sal forests and the river Teesta, I developed a deep love and respect for nature. I earned my B.Sc (Hons) in Microbiology from Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira, where I embraced secular scientific values. During my studies, observing the Ganges at Belur Math fostered my passion for water conservation. My research interests include liquid waste management, water rehabilitation, and ecological restoration policies. Besides academics, I enjoy music, writing poems, and cooking. I aspire to work on sustainable freshwater ecology and its conservation for humanity's benefit.

Yuvraj Singh Patel

I grew up in Orai city in Uttar Pradesh's Bundelkhand Region, captivated by nature, mountains, and rivers since childhood. I earned a Bachelor's degree in Forestry (Hons) from Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. During my studies, I worked with the District Forest Department (Orai) and participated in cultivating ecologically important forest trees and medicinal plants. I volunteered in the Save Ganga Movement and Clean Ganga Mission in Kanpur, organizing awareness programs to maintain the purity of the Ganga River. My goal is to enhance my knowledge and skills about India's freshwater resources, their challenges, management, and sustainable utilization. I aspire to be a freshwater ecologist and improve India's per capita freshwater availability. Besides academics, I love playing cricket, reading literature, and writing poems.

Yogesh Dansena

I'm from Raigarh, a small town in chhattisgarh. I have done my graduation in Forestry, wildlife and Environment sciences from Guru Ghasidas university. ( C.G ) . My passion for wildlife began early, as I started watching Discovery, Nat Geo especially Bear Grylls, David Attenborough shows which motivated me to start the beautiful journey of wildlife. And further galvanized me to participate in Birds and butterflies surveys across central India. And I have also contributed to the crocodile census in Kanger Valley National park. During my master’s, I aim to contribute promising role in the freshwater Conservation. In my free time, I enjoy bird watching, sketching and trekking.

Nishika Yadav

I was born and brought up in Gurgaon, Haryana. I pursued B.Sc. Zoology Honours from Hindu college, University of Delhi. I was involved in Jatayu (Animal welfare society) in our college and also have a NCC 'B' certificate. Since childhood I like watching wildlife documentaries and reading wildlife related books like those written by Jim Corbett. Apart from that I am learning French and have a DELF B1 certificate in French. I have keen interest in otters, gangetic river dolphins, gharials, turtles and also in corals and marine creatures. My hobbies include running(I have completed 5 km and 10 km Marathons), playing tennis, badminton, painting and drawing etc.

Yashi Sinha

Originally from Patna, I've lived in Delhi since childhood, finding ways to stay close to nature despite the city's bustle. Inspired by David Attenborough's documentaries and National Geographic, I pursued a BSc in Zoology from Zakir Husain College, IGNOU. In 2022, I took a course on bird identification and ornithology at WWF Delhi, gaining practical training and theoretical knowledge in bird behavior, habitat, biodiversity, ecology, and conservation. This sparked a deep fascination with wetland avian species and ecosystems. I aim to work in conservation, focusing on protecting freshwater and wetland ecosystems and preserving their biodiversity. In my free time, I enjoy birdwatching, gardening, and photographing nature's wonders.

Cherie Joby

Growing up in a nature-loving family in Kerala, my interest in ecology and wildlife was nurtured from a young age. Surrounded by rivers, waterfalls, mountains, and beaches, I developed a deep love for nature. During school, I participated in environmental programs and collected data on dragonflies and damselflies, sparking my passion for ecology. Although I pursued a bachelor's degree in physics due to a lack of ecology programs, my heart remained dedicated to the environment. Learning about the Gadgil report and witnessing the devastating Kerala floods underscored the importance of ecological balance. Determined to contribute to reversing environmental damage, I aimed to join the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). Now, as a WII student, I am excited to study freshwater systems and riparian species, striving to work sustainably for a social cause.

A Samil Mohammed

Growing up amidst one of the biodiversity hotspots of the planet, the western ghats, I developed a deep fascination and respect for nature from a young age. I hold an undergraduate degree in forestry from HNBGU, Srinagar, and have participated in various conservation activities alongside my academic pursuits.I am well aware that our generation has borne witness to the distressing decline of various species and the devastation of precious habitats. The urgency of the situation has instilled in me a resolute belief that we, as the current generation, hold a crucial responsibility to make a positive impact. I find myself motivated by the idea that we might be among the last individuals with the power to effect meaningful change.

Smriti Sharma

Spirit of life-long conservation ethos was instilled in me by university escapades including research on herpetofauna, nature walks, field trips, paired with proximity to river Yamuna and my fondness for community outreach and conversations.

Mehul Singh Tomar

My passion for Wildlife conservation started at a very young age when I used to go for watching birds and dolphins in river Ganga at Narora a small town in Bulandshahr (U.P). In 2014 I got an opportunity to work on Ex-situ conservation of freshwater turtles at Narora Atomic power station. Thereafter, I went for my graduation in Forestry from Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya in Chhattisgarh and I interned on multiple projects in different parts of the country on different species like Tiger, Fishing Cat, Mugger Crocodile, Gharial. After my graduation in 2022 I have been working as a freelance Wildlife biologist and consultant for Ex-situ conservation and management for reptiles. In future I want to study the impact of man-made structures like Gravity Masonry dams on the freshwater ecology.

Esther Lalhmingmawi Hmar

Originally from Mizoram, I grew up in Shillong, a biodiversity-rich region that fueled my love for wildlife and ecology. My passion for life sciences led me to actively participate in seminars, competitions, bird counts, and conservation activities. I completed my BSc (Hons) in Zoology from St. Edmund’s College in Shillong. A defining moment during my BSc was a project on frogs, resulting in the discovery of Minervarya asmati, a state record for Meghalaya. This achievement reinforced my commitment to ecological research and conservation. I am eager to make a meaningful impact in this field. Besides academics, I enjoy music, fine arts, and watching movies.

Shraddha Sarkate

My name is Shraddha Sarkate, from Washim, Maharashtra, where vibrant landscapes of fields and forests have been my playground since childhood. My early experiences with the diverse flora and fauna around me nurtured a profound love for nature. I pursued my undergraduate studies at the College of Forestry, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, focusing on forest ecosystems and sustainable management. This academic pursuit strengthened my resolve to contribute to environmental conservation. Currently, I am expanding my knowledge in freshwater ecology and conservation, studying the impact of human activities on aquatic ecosystems and devising strategies for sustainable water resource management. I am particularly drawn to riverine ecosystems. Beyond academics, I enjoy music, poetry, and photography. My ultimate goal is to work towards the sustainable development and conservation of freshwater ecosystems for the benefit of nature and humanity.

Prateeti Bhushona Bora

Growing up in a small village in Jorhat district, Assam, by the Brahmaputra River, I developed a deep appreciation for nature and a curiosity about wetlands and wildlife. My BSc in Botany further fueled my passion for ecological sciences, leading me to a career in sustainability and wildlife preservation. After graduation, I worked as a Project Assistant with Sustainability and Green Initiative (SGI) in Molai Forest, under the guidance of Padma Shri Jadav Payeng, gaining valuable experience in forest landscape restoration. The rapid loss of wildlife and natural landscapes concerns me deeply. I am committed to advancing my knowledge and expertise in conservation and restoration, focusing on revitalizing freshwater ecosystems, often called "earth’s kidneys."