Biography

Valmik Thapar was born in 1952 in Bombay, Bombay, India [now Mumbai, Mahararshtra, India]. He was married to Sanjana Kapoor. He died on May 31, 2025 in New Delhi, India.

Parents Romesh and Raj Thapar were journalists and co-founders of the political journal Seminar.

In 1987, Thapar set up Ranthambhore Foundation, a non-profit that worked for integrating local communities into conservation efforts. He also partnered with the non-profit Dastkar to create livelihoods for displaced villagers.

He served in multiple apex bodies of the government, including the National Board for Wildlife. He was also a member of the Tiger Task Force set up to prescribe reforms in the aftermath of the disappearance of tigers from Rajasthans Sariska.