Latika Nath is India’s first woman to become a wildlife biologist with a doctorate on tigers. She holds a diverse personality – the cosmopolitan woman scientist, the keen conservationist television personality, the hard-working researcher, the intellectual & a home maker.
After procuring an undergraduate degree in Environment Science from Maitreyi College in Delhi University, she obtained a scholarship opportunity for the School of Forestry at the University of Wales. Since then there has been no looking back. She has recently published the acclaimed coffee table book titled Hidden India on the wildlife and wilderness spaces of India.
Catch Latika Nath, the first female wildlife biologist in India to work on tigers in an interview with Ms. Namita Nayyar, President, Women Fitness where she talks about her journey, fitness routine and upcoming projects.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You are the first woman wildlife biologist in India to hold a doctorate on tigers? Congrats! How does it feel to be one, share the experience that left you drawn towards taking this as a profession?
Ms. Latika Nath
I shall always be proud to be the first Indian and a woman at that to have a doctorate on tigers in the country. However that was a long time ago and I realised that we cannot rest on past laurels but strive to make each day more impactful and productive.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
After spending over twenty-five years working at the grassroots level for tiger conservation you went on to establish the renowned Singinawa Jungle Lodge and through the Singinawa Foundation worked on education, health, art and alternate energy programs for the tribal villages in the region? To sum up those twenty five years, how would you define it? Share a day’s routine in Latika’s life?
Ms. Latika Nath
I sold the award winning lodge in 2014 and devoted my time to wildlife photography. I am a Nikon influencer for wildlife, and have worked on two books. My schedules vary depending on where I am and what I am doing, the time of the year and the behaviour of the animal I am photographing.
I work long days – early morning and late evenings most days with a lot of time on computers working on the books or processing photographs. But life is not restricted to just this. I read, cook, travel, design, spend time with pets, garden, and love music and the theatre.
Diving is an important part of my life and I enjoy diving in different locations across the world.
At the moment I am working on the details of a new Project called “Hidden India” focusing on a conservation tourism company.
FULL INTERVIEW ON NEXT PAGE
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President womenfitness.org and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2021 Women Fitness Org
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You are referred to as ‘The Tiger Princess” very apt looking at your work & passion. Share a series of events that led to the same.
Ms. Latika Nath
With a masters on elephants and a doctorate on tigers, and with my grandparents coming from Royal families in Undivided India, the producers of the National Geographic Film chose to call me the tiger princess of India. More recently after looking at all the escapades and adventures I get into, I was given the title of “Her Daringness”. Both wonderful and both a huge thing to live upto.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Being a Wildlife photographer & diver requires a fit body? Share your daily exercise routine? Breathing or yoga exercises you practice to stay fit & strong?
Ms. Latika Nath
For the past 6 years I have been trained by Sumaya Dalmia and her team of fitness experts. The personalised fitness programme helps keep me in shape to be able to handle large, bulky and heavy photographic equipment, hike, climb, dive and trek to locations where I am doing the shooting. I work with my trainers five days a week normally.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Your daily diet routine? Foods you love to eat. 5 foods you like to keep to a minimum in diet. How significant is the role of diet in your work routine?
Ms. Latika Nath
I love good food and try not to put any restrictions on what I am eating. I focus on small meals, tasting portions of all food, and to avoid junk and fast food. I enjoy fine dining, organic produce, fresh cooked food and regional or local food when travelling. If I need to control food intake, I will normally switch to a high protein – low carb diet but do not like to do any drastic fasting as this affects my energy levels and skin and hair. I love fruit, salads, grills and barbecues, and a variety in the cuisine from across the globe.
5 foods that I keep to a minimum in my diet include
- coffee
- tea
- alcohol
- sugary fizzy drinks
- sweets and chocolates.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Your skin & hair routine to cope with wear & tear of weather extremes with work routine?
Ms. Latika Nath
I have a no compromise skin care routine. Sun protection is vital. This includes moisturisers, sunscreens and covering up my skin when in harsh climatic conditions. At night, no matter how tired I am, I clean and moisturise, with the appropriate serums. I never sleep with makeup on my face and try and get a minimum of 7 hours of sleep whenever possible.
When I return from the field, I always visit my dermatologist and aesthetician Dr Simal Soin, and her facials and skincare ensure that my skin remains in good shape.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Who is your inspiring role model & why?
Ms. Latika Nath
Dr Jane Goodall is my role model for the work she has done in the fields of wildlife conservation and as a wildlife biologist.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Message for those who are impressed by your choice of career? 5 tips to keep in mind to overcome challenges in life?
Ms. Latika Nath
- I believe you should work at a career that you are passionate about. I believe that one needs to dream, and to have the conviction to work to make the dreams come true.
- The world is full of negativity and beauty. I believe in focusing on the positive aspects of life to gain the inner strength to deal with the negativity, pain, suffering and problems.
- I believe in learning from my mistakes and being unapologetic about making them.
- I believe in living in the now, building on the learnings and experiences of the past, but not letting them rule your life.
- I am an optimist and before I sleep each night, try and remember and be grateful for all the family and friends and support that I have.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Your upcoming future plans where we might see you?
Ms. Latika Nath
I would like to work to influencing policy and decision making in the field of wildlife conservation. I shall be continuing to explore the art of photography, and expand my experiences in this area.
The biggest project is “Hidden India”, my new company that will be focusing on Conservation Tourism Projects.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Injuries you suffered if any & how you coped with them especially at work? An unforgettable experience.
Ms. Latika Nath
I have been in accidents where I have broken ribs, damaged my spine and vertebrae and injured my hip and knee.
Part of the focus whilst working with Sumaya Dalmia was to overcome these issues.
When I am in the field, the all-encompassing passion for studying and photographing wild species ensures I forget all discomfort and handicaps.
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This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President womenfitness.org and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2021 Women Fitness Org