In a world where the allure of royal luxury often takes precedence, some rare individuals forsake their regal upbringing to make lasting contributions to society. Dr. M.K. Ranjitsinh Jhala, an 84-year-old former Madhya Pradesh cadre IAS officer from the 1961 batch, stands as a beacon of such sacrifice.
As the first member of a royal family to become an IAS officer, he earned the moniker ‘India’s Cheetah Man’ for his pivotal role in wildlife conservation.
Early Beginnings and IAS Journey
Hailing from the former Wankaner royal dynasty in Saurashtra, Gujarat, Ranjitsinh embarked on his Indian Administrative Service (IAS) journey in 1961, bidding farewell to a life of opulence. His childhood passion for wildlife and nurturing animals fueled his commitment to a new path.
After assuming the role of an IAS officer, he took charge of pioneering efforts to protect the highly endangered barasingha deer, Rucervus duvaucelii, in central India.
Contribution towards Wildlife Protection
Ranjitsinh’s most significant contribution came in the form of crafting the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 during his tenure as the Government of India’s Deputy Secretary for Forests and Wildlife. He envisioned providing financial support from the central government to states for constructing national parks and sanctuaries. Serving as the first Director of Wildlife Preservation in India under this act, he laid the groundwork for comprehensive wildlife conservation.
He further extended his impact by being a key member of the team that created Project Tiger, a globally acclaimed conservation initiative. From 1975 to 1980, he ventured into the international wildlife arena as the Nature Conservation Adviser in the UNEP’s Bangkok Regional Office. Upon returning to India, he managed 11 sanctuaries and up to eight national parks.
Notably, Ranjitsinh advocated for the reintroduction of cheetahs, leading the ‘African Cheetah Introduction Project in India’ established in 2009. Formally introduced in 2020 by the Supreme Court, he was chosen to lead the expert group overseeing this crucial initiative. His commitment also found expression in several acclaimed books on wildlife.
Recognition
In 2014, Dr. M.K. Ranjitsinh Jhala received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his exceptional contributions to wildlife protection. Throughout his illustrious career, he held esteemed positions, including Director of Wildlife Preservation, Chairman of the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), and Director General of the WWF Tiger Conservation Programme (TCP). His journey from royalty to conservation remains a testament to a life dedicated to the well-being of India’s wildlife.
