Announcement of the 13th Shri Fatehsingh Rathore Memorial Conservation Award - 2025

Udaipur: The prestigious Shri Fatehsingh Rathore Memorial Wildlife Conservation Awards, presented annually by the world-renowned Ranthambhore-based organization, Tiger Watch, have been announced for 2025. Dr. Kamlesh Sharma, Additional Director of the Information and Public Relations Department, wildlife photographer, and writer, has been selected for the "People and Nature Services to Wildlife Award" for his work in raising public awareness about environmental and wildlife conservation through writing on environmental issues and wildlife photography.

Dr. Dharmendra Khandal, the renowned biologist from Tiger Watch, stated that Dr. Kamlesh Sharma will be honored with the prestigious "People and Nature Services to Wildlife Award" at the 13th Shri Fatehsingh Rathore Memorial Lecture and Conservation Awards ceremony, scheduled to take place in Sawai Madhopur. The ceremony will be held on March 1, 2025, at 3:30 PM at Fateh Public School, Sawai Madhopur.

Dr. Khandal explained that this event honors the life and legacy of the late Fatehsingh Rathore, the founder and patron of Tiger Watch. His tireless work in Ranthambhore and his dedication to the region’s tigers have inspired countless individuals worldwide to engage in wildlife conservation. This event brings together those who have contributed to this vital cause, providing a platform to share their stories and recognize the outstanding work of local and national conservationists.

**Reasons for Dr. Sharma’s Selection**

Dr. Khandal elaborated that Dr. Kamlesh Sharma, currently serving at the Police Headquarters in Jaipur, has been selected for his long-term dedication and spontaneous efforts in the field of environmental, wildlife, and bird conservation over the past 25 years through public relations journalism. His articles have been published in major national magazines and newspapers. He has also contributed research papers and articles on the conservation of rare and endangered birds, wildlife, butterflies, and trees, published in the Bombay Natural History Society magazine. Dr. Sharma has played an active role in initiating bird festivals in Dungarpur, Banswara, Udaipur, and Jaipur districts.

In addition, Dr. Sharma was instrumental in dispelling misconceptions among the local community regarding the rehabilitation of tigers in the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, raising public awareness. He also saved over 200 birds and chicks when trees housing hundreds of nests of the endangered Black-headed Ibis in Dungarpur were cut down. Furthermore, he played a crucial role in unveiling the presence of 38 species of birds in Shyampura and initiated the movement to establish it as a Forest Nature Education Center.

For these significant contributions to wildlife and environmental conservation, Dr. Sharma has been honored with this award.