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Meet the Team

While some of us have been interested since childhood, some have come forward with the firm determination to make a change — all for the greater good of saving a dying ecosystem and mitigating irreversible environmental damage.

Mihir Godbole

Mihir Godbole

Founder & President

He feels that the grassland ecosystem is in dire need of protection due to rapidly growing cities and our myopic idea of development.

Prerana Sethiya

Prerana Sethiya

Strategist and Data analyst

She is working as a data analyst with Freeland Foundation as well as with The Grasslands Trust with a goal to harness the power of data analytics and new technologies to solve the various challenges in wildlife conservation.

Shreyas Nakate

Shreyas Nakate

Research assistant

A passionate researcher holding an MSc degree in biodiversity, who actively participates in research undertakings and wildlife tracking endeavours.

Nikita Sabnis

Nikita Sabnis

Project coordinator

With an academic background in science(MSc), she manages data, writes scientific articles and carries out research activities for The Grasslands Trust in collaboration with research partners.

Rohit Joshi

Rohit Joshi

Social media team

He enjoys tracking wildlife and proactively helps the trust with off-field tasks as well, with a primary intent to educate people about the importance of grasslands.

Siddharth Damle

Siddharth Damle

Naturalist & Cameraman

Given the alarming rate at which wildlife in most of Indian habitats is declining, more so in grasslands, he strives to spread awareness about wildlife by showcasing the wildlife by his photography skills.

Siddhesh Bramhankar

Siddhesh Bramhankar

Founder member

For more than 9 years, he has been wandering around Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan for in depth study of the wildlife.

Viraaj Apte

Viraaj Apte

Founder & Treasurer

He believes that awareness amongst the local community must be the first step towards wildlife conservation.

Vijayraj Jare

Vijayraj Jare

Project coordinator

He tracks wildlife, maintains local networking, provides on-field assistance during projects and is a part of day-to-day activities at the trust.

Samyak Kaninde

Samyak Kaninde

Outreach programs head

He tracks, films and photographs wildlife, but crucially leads outreach and wildlife awareness sessions for the trust as a speaker, interacting with locals and helping them co-exist peacefully with wildlife.

Rohit Kolhatkar

Rohit Kolhatkar

Naturalist and Cameraman

He firmly believes that preventing loss of habitats is the need of the hour.

Ameya Chandrachud

Ameya Chandrachud

Naturalist & Cameraman

With his experience in the field of wildlife and administration, he wishes to make significant contributions towards conservation by taking part in all the trust activities.

Shaunak Chitgopkar

Shaunak Chitgopkar

Naturalist & Cameraman

A wildlife and nature admirer since childhood, and of the firm belief that peaceful co-existence is achievable, he assists the team on-field for wildlife tracking and photographic excursions.

Shreyas Dudhane

Shreyas Dudhane

Naturalist & Cameraman

A keen observer who always strives to capture wildlife moments creatively.

Vishwatej Pawar

Vishwatej Pawar

Founder & Secretary

He contributes to the trust creatively as a camera operator, video editor, speaker & social media manager.

Makarand Datar

Makarand Datar

Project coordinator

He actively coordinates grassland restoration activities for the trust, displaying a strong passion for habitat conservation.

Tejas Pansare

Tejas Pansare

Social media & Video-editor

He crafts compelling videos that resonate with trust's mission while also managing social media. Beyond the screen, he finds creative inspiration in the art of photo & videography.

Pratik Joshi

Pratik Joshi

Environment advisor

He believes that the right way to conserve wildlife is by creating awareness in society and by connecting the layman to the depth of the facts and wildlife research.

Avdhut Kanago

Avdhut Kanago

Naturalist & Cameraman

Wildlife photography and filming fuels his passion for wildlife tracking. He assists the trust on-field.

Milind Raut

Milind Raut

Founder member

A true wildlife enthusiast, he has been doing extensive work on the grasslands around Pune since 2009, specifically on wolves.

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