Wildilife: Ramnagar: Vanrakshak Store: A specialised conservation and outdoor store by ‘Vanrakshak’, the flagship conservation brand of A&S Creations, has been launched in Ramnagar, the gateway to India’s iconic Corbett Tiger Reserve. Inaugurated by MLA Shri Diwan Singh Bisht, and Field Director (Corbett Tiger Reserve) Mr. Saket Badola, this marks Vanrakshak’s first store in Uttarakhand and its second in India.
The establishment of this store in Ramnagar is the result of an initiative and partnership between wildlife photographer and enthusiast Deepankar Khulbe and Rahul Rautela. The store represents a significant step toward ensuring the local availability of high-quality wildlife and outdoor products for wildlife enthusiasts, safari operators, nature guides, researchers, tourists, and the outdoor community in the Corbett region.
From Corporate Careers to Wildlife and Entrepreneurship
This initiative is driven not merely by a business concept, but by a deep passion for wildlife and nature, alongside a vision to create a meaningful local impact.
Deepankar Khulbe, a wildlife photographer, YouTuber, and long-time wildlife enthusiast, decided to leave his corporate job to prioritize his passion and return to his home region. He chose to pursue wildlife and nature-based entrepreneurship while remaining in his home region, a move driven by reverse migration. He already operates a wildlife and nature-themed cafe in Haldwani.
Through his continuous engagement with the wildlife community, he realized that local wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers visiting Corbett often had to rely on other cities or online platforms for essential products and quality outdoor gear. Recognizing this need, he partnered with Rahul Rautela and the brand Vanrakshak to establish this store in Ramnagar.
Deepankar Khulbe said, “Corbett and Ramnagar have long been an integral part of my life and my passion for wildlife. We recognized a need for the local availability of high-quality, reliable products for those involved in wildlife and outdoor activities. Partnering with Vanrakshak gives us the opportunity to meet this need while also strengthening the culture of conservation and responsible wildlife tourism.”
Rahul Rautela, himself a wildlife photographer, also decided to leave his corporate career behind to pursue his passion for wildlife and nature. Driven by this vision, he joined hands with Deepankar Khulbe to launch this initiative.
Rahul Rautela said, “As a wildlife enthusiast, Vanrakshak’s vision aligns perfectly with our own. Integrating conservation with technological innovation and bringing high-quality products to the locals of the Corbett region and wildlife enthusiasts is the most significant aspect of this partnership for us. We want Ramnagar to become not just a gateway for wildlife tourism, but also a hub for innovations in conservation, technology, and responsible tourism.”
From Conservation Technology to Outdoor Gear
The Vanrakshak store in Ramnagar will offer a wide range of conservation solutions designed for wildlife and forest management. These include camera traps, GSM surveillance systems, drones and tools and systems for mitigating human-wildlife conflict.
Additionally, items such as binoculars, spotting scopes, torches, specialized outdoor clothing, trekking boots, bicycles and other field gear will be available for wildlife safaris and outdoor activities.
Corbett is one of the country’s premier wildlife tourism destinations, attracting a large number of tourists, photographers, researchers, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts every year. Consequently, the establishment of such a specialized store in Ramnagar will boost the local availability of essential equipment in the region.
A Platform for Local Communities and Entrepreneurship
Community participation and local livelihoods form a crucial part of the ‘Vanrakshak’ model. Through the Ramnagar store, opportunities will be created to showcase and market local, sustainable, and nature-inspired products crafted by Self-Help Groups (SHGs), women entrepreneurs, local artisans, and community-based enterprises.
This initiative aims to extend the economic benefits generated by wildlife tourism to local communities and connect local products with tourists and conservation enthusiasts.
Emphasis on “Local for Global”
“Vanrakshak” is the flagship conservation brand of A&S Creations, established by Anita Sabharwal and Sumit Sabharwal in 2004. For over two decades, A&S Creations has been collaborating with forest departments and other stakeholders in areas related to wildlife conservation, forest protection, surveillance, and field operations.
Vanrakshak works towards integrating conservation technology, outdoor products, community entrepreneurship, and responsible eco-tourism. The brand focuses on promoting indigenous products and technological solutions tailored to Indian conditions and conservation needs.
On this ocassion, Mr. Sumit Sabharwal, founder of Vanrakshak, said, “Ramnagar holds a special place for us, as it is a hub where communities associated with India’s wildlife, tourism, and conservation sectors converge. Through the Vanrakshak store, we aim to create a space where forestry professionals, safari tourists, trekkers, and wildlife enthusiasts can find products tailored to their specific needs, while also gaining insight into India’s broader conservation efforts.”
The Ramnagar store is part of Vanrakshak’s broader vision to develop a robust conservation retail ecosystem around the country’s major tiger reserves, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and wildlife tourism destinations.
This store aims to be more than just a retail outlet for wildlife and outdoor products; it is an initiative designed to bring conservation, technology, wildlife tourism, local entrepreneurship, and the community together on a shared platform.
