Drawn in her late 20’s from Delhi to the forests of Ranthambhore, Poonam and her husband Aditya Dicky Singh wanted to live with Tigers in their backyard. Twenty five years on she understands the gravity of these words, the necessity for responsible conservation and the impact her day-to-day decisions make. Having rewilded a large area, just next to the National Forest in Ranthambhore, Poonam is aware of what this entails. How understanding and being a part of the local is all ; the flora and fauna, communities, resources, deficiencies, weather and the local environment.

Poonam is determined to continue the legacy set up by herself and her husband Aditya who passed in 2023. If she had to explain her philosophy to others she would extol the necessity of keeping it real. Of trying and failing and possibly trying a different way. The importance of seeking local knowledge and making whatever you are doing deliver a positive impact for all those involved and affected by the process. Crucially considering your impact on land and water resources. Ultimately for Poonam Singh if her footprint leads a better path for her young daughter and future generations then it’s a job well done.

A trusted partner of the Ranthambhore Forest Department, Aditya brought it all to the table; a complete disinterest in fame combined with hard work, a unique connection with people, along with a wealth of new ideas.

After the success of the first BBC documentary he worked on, hardly any film project related to Ranthambhore could have been completed without Aditya’s input. He collaborated with world-renowned wildlife filmmakers, offering advice and support on filming tigers, working with organisations like National Geographic, Animal Planet, Discovery, Disney, and more. He won the Carl Zeiss Award for Conservation in 2012 and the Sanctuary Wildlife Photographer of the Year award in 2011. In 2022 he won the Tiger Watch Wildlife Conservation Award. He selflessly contributed towards the benefit of wildlife by initiatives such as guide training, photographing and documenting each tiger in the forest and recording the data for open access.

Often speaking fearlessly and candidly on the scientific aspects related to nature and wildlife, Aditya spoke appropriately when needed, harshly when required, yet always truthfully. His strong and well examined stance on the T 24 issue spoke volumes on the approach towards Tiger Conservation. He spoke without pretence and selflessly, it was never about him. He was a true and authentic voice for the tigers of Ranthambhore and conservation wherever it was needed.

Aditya was involved in several conservation projects in Ranthambhore including setting up, planning and executing an anti-poaching initiative called ‘Operation Co-Operation’. A joint effort between a few locals and the forest department of Ranthambhore National Park led to the identification and capture of tiger poachers. An active member of the team responsible for the monitoring and oversight of the tiger census program Aditya recognised the need for documentation and research in the natural world. A great educator, he coordinated the Kids for Tigers program, which aimed at educating, involving, creating and enhancing the awareness of tigers and related topics among school children. His in-depth knowledge aled to a number of biodiversity studies in Ranthambhore. He always went where his expertise was needed and as the call came he joined a team to search & capture man-eating leopards which were causing significant human damage in the Chittor district.

Aditya’s legacy lives on not only through his wife Poonam and daughter Nyra but through the many individuals and organisations he worked with over the years.