Early Life & Background
Born on 19 February 1939 into the Jhala dynasty of Wankaner, Gujarat, Dr. Ranjitsinh grew up with a deep connection to nature and wildlife. He was educated at Rajkumar College, Rajkot, and later at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, before joining the Indian Administrative Service in 1961.
He went on to earn a Ph.D. from Saurashtra University (1982), with a doctoral thesis on the ecology and behaviour of the Indian blackbuck, based on extensive field research at Velavadar National Park.
Administrative Career
Over a distinguished career in public service, Dr. Ranjitsinh held several key positions, including:
- Collector, Mandla District, Madhya Pradesh (1967–1970)
- Deputy Secretary, Forests & Wildlife, Government of India
- First Director of Wildlife Preservation, Government of India (1973–1975)
- Director of Wildlife Preservation (1985–1989)
- Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment & Forests (1990–1992)
- Chairman, Narmada Valley Development Authority (1993–1995)
- Director-General, CAPART (1995–1996)
He retired from public service in February 1996.