We in the wildlife community bow our heads to honour the tragic demise of Dr. G.V. Reddy. He was one of the finest forest officers that the State of Rajasthan has ever known. His honesty and integrity were a shining example for everyone all over India working to save our natural world. He will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.

It was 1994. Sitting on the floor of the Rest House in Udaipur were three officers. Tea and biscuits and participatory forest management was the topic of they moment. One of them, Ashwini Upadhaya, left us in 2015. The other gentleman, GV Reddy (he hadn’t got his Phd yet) was all smiles and full of ideas. The third, Dr. Suresh Chandra shared with me this afternoon the sad news that Reddy Sir was no more. I, an absolute greenhorn that I was, quietly listened to my seniors speak and was wondering if I would ever be able to gain a fraction of understanding about the ecosystems that they had. Reddy Sir went on to serve Ranthambhore as its Deputy Field Director and later Field Director. He saw the Tiger Reserve at its worst. He toiled, harder than most of us. If today the National Park is a popular destination, a lot should be owed to him. It was he and Late Fateh Singhji who accompanied the former President of USA to the park. And there were so many fun stories he shared about that trip. As PD DRDA, he was known for cycling to the mandi for sabzi. Not many officers did that in the 1990s. Dr. Reddy was a vegetarian, a man of simple tastes, whether in clothes or in accessories or accommodation or transport. As PCCF HOFF he was my boss and he always was quite easy to interact with. A bit impulsive and short in temper when it came to blatant violations of the law, he always served with distinction. A fine student of nature, he actually had a better understanding than most people who say they do know Rajasthan’s forests. His affection for staff he always wore it on his sleeve. I am sure the news of his passing will tear up some eyes. This summer he moderated an interaction with Dr. Ulhas Karanth in Jaipur. I knew he was keeping indifferent health and told him to keep his travels to the minimum. But he being what he was, shrugged it off with a smile. So long Sir, till we get to do another trip amidst the Dhok.

It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the untimely passing of Dr. G.V. Reddy, a stalwart in the field of wildlife conservation. Dr. Reddy’s lifelong dedication to Rajasthan’s wildlife, spanning over three decades, leaves an indelible mark on our hearts and the landscape he worked tirelessly to protect.

Dr. Reddy’s exemplary career, from his early days as DFO of Banswara to his transformative leadership as Chief Wildlife Warden of Rajasthan, epitomized unwavering commitment and integrity. His efforts in restoring Ranthambhore National Park and advancing conservation practices set benchmarks admired both nationally and internationally.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Reddy’s passion for wildlife and profound understanding of ecosystems made him a beacon of inspiration. His loss is deeply felt not only by his colleagues but by all who understood his vision for sustainable wildlife management.

As we bid farewell to Dr. G.V. Reddy, let us honor his legacy by continuing to uphold his ideals of conservation and ethical governance. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Rest in peace, Dr. Reddy. Your spirit will forever guide us in the protection of Rajasthan’s precious wildlife.

He was a down to earth personality. I remember the event of sharing with him an online scientific discussion about role of bats in spread of SARS CoV – 2 born COVID-19 and Status of bats of the Thar Desert.

Reddy Sa’ab was my first wildlife teacher who taught me the importance of wildlife when I was just 9 years old and since then I was attracted towards wildlife.

He was so encouraging to whomsoever contacted him for any help n knowledge.

I had my association with him from 2012 when he was CCF at Bharatpur and I organised a national seminar on Forest and wildlife:Present status and challenges ahead.

His demise is a great loss to wildlife conservationists

He was a great mam with immense knowledge and vast experience which he always wanted to share. Had the opportunity to spend a few days with him during his visit to various Biodiversity Management committees in Gurugram & Faridabad.

One of the finest officers I have ever come across in the Forest Department. As a sticker to rules, he had to face lot of difficulties in the career, including physical assault.

Ranthambhore was deeply fortunate to have Mr. Reddy at the helm, and we were proud of the India that begat him.

What a brave and upright officer and a gentleman he was !! I have known him for over 35 years !!

Officer who made the difference in Conservation of Ranthambhore. A great officer and even greater human being.