Jaya Rakesh is a dedicated naturalist with a profound passion for nature education. Although his academic background is in mechanical engineering, his love for the natural world - particularly butterflies – sparked a shift in his career path. Fascinated by the intricate web of connections within ecosystems, he pursued his calling as a naturalist, working at Kanha National Park. At Kanha, he shared his expertise on flora and fauna with global visitors through guided nature walks and safaris.
Currently, he serves as a mentor and nature educator at Bhoomi, conducting regular in-house and outbound sessions for TFN fellows. Beyond his work, he actively contributes to various citizen science initiatives focused on birds, trees, and biodiversity.
In his free time, Rakesh explores the outdoors, often embarking on lengthy walks that fuel his quest to connect with natural world.