Principal Trustees and Advisors
Principal Trustees and Advisors
“Dr. Anil and Mrs. Pamela Malhotra – Co-founders of SAI Sanctuary Trust”
Trustees
1) Dr. Anil Kumar Malhotra, PhD – Co-founder, Trustee, and present Chairperson of SAI Sanctuary Trust (SST).
Growing up in the foothills of the Himalaya Mountains and beautiful Doon Valley where he attended Welham & Doon School, loving Nature came naturally to Anil. Further studies took him to Shivaji Military School in Pune and to Bombay where he graduated first from St. Xavier’s College and then from Government Law College. After graduating from London Institute of Bankers, Dr. Malhotra attended the University of Hamburg in Germany where he secured his PhD in Politics.
While in New Jersey, Anil met his future wife Pamela and moved to Colorado where she was studying to join her. In Colorado he used his legal and financial knowledge to secure re-financing for renovation of older buildings, especially those owned by women entrepreneurs, thus helping to revitalize urban areas. It was here in the Rocky Mountains that his love of Nature grew greatly with each trek through the forest he and Pamela would take, his wife being an avid outdoorswoman.
Moving to Hawaii gave them their first opportunity to set up a small Nature preserve on the Big Island, where they also grew organic vegetables. The vegetables were donated to The Women’s Crisis Shelter in Hilo, along with clothing and toys for children living there.
Returning to the mountains of his youth, Anil and Pamela sought to replicate their Nature preserve deep in the Uttarkashi region of the Himalaya, where they also founded their first non-profit NGO – Himalaya Seva Dal. Its focus was on protection of forests and wildlife, and uplifting of women and children in these remote regions through planting fuel/fodder trees along with fruit trees, as many children suffer blindness due to lack of Vitamin C.
Seeking to expand their concept of‘privately owned Nature preserve,’ Anil travelled throughout southern India until he found suitable lands for a preserve in the Kodagu District. This region of Karnataka lies in the heart of the Western Ghats which are known for their rich biodiversity of flora and fauna.
Utilizing his legal and financial expertise, Dr. Malhotra has been the driving force behind the creation and foundation of both this Nature preserve named ‘SAI Sanctuary’ as well as SAI Sanctuary Trust, SAI being an acronym for Save Animals Initiative. From an initial piece of 55 acres, the area under SAI Sanctuary’s protection has now grown to several hundred over the years.
Along with his wife Pamela, Anil has co-authored two internationally recognized books on comparative prophecy and philosophy that stress the essential unity of all humanity in addition to the bonds we have with all species and elements of Mother Earth.
SAI Sanctuary was awarded the ‘Wildlife and Tourism Initiative for the Year 2014’ bySanctuary Asia and TOFTs (Travel Operators For Tigers) for its unique concept of ‘privately owned forest sanctuary,’ along with its use of ‘green’ energy systems and eco-friendly buildings throughout the sanctuary.
2) Mrs. Pamela Malhotra – Co-founder, Trustee, and Secretary of SAI Sanctuary Trust (SST).
Running barefoot and climbing trees in the woods near her family home, Pamela spent every moment she could of her childhood in Nature. She shared her love of Nature with younger children when she was a camp counsellor during high school at the state parks where she lived in New Jersey.
Attending Colorado State University (CSU) near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains was a natural choice for Pamela for higher studies as it afforded her the opportunity to go often into the forest-covered mountains she loved for trekking, snowshoeing, and observing wildlife at close quarters.
Exempt from lower level courses due to her grades (4.0 GPA), the Dean of CSU let Pamela take graduate level courses as an undergrad, studying one-on-one with various professors. This experience helped hone her skills as a researcher and writer – skills she has used throughout her life as an author and speaker. Graduating Summa cum Laude (Valedictorian) in her double major of Political Science and History, she was joined by Anil in Colorado where they moved to the Denver region.
Pamela’s work with a major pharmaceutical company after graduation provided her training in Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Abnormal Psychology. It was also the impetus for her to seek more gentle and natural healing methods for illness and injury. In addition to First Aid and CPR, she has studied Massage, Reflexology, Naturopathy, Homeopathy, is a Reiki Master, and makes her own medicines based on homeopathic Vibrionics.
Pamela’s work also took her through some of the most breathtaking areas of the western USA. This awakened an even deeper love for Nature and became a turning point in her life when she observed the ravages of strip mining in the high Rocky Mountains where whole mountain tops were being permanently destroyed in the process.
This coupled with the revelations of radioactive contamination of large areas of Colorado from the Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Plant near Denver transformed Pamela from a lover of Nature to a passionate visionary and advocate dedicated to the protection and preservation of Nature.
Thus started a lifelong career of spreading awareness on various environmental issues through every means possible – from contacting media and writing letters to officials and businesses involved, to sharing information with others through presentations and writing articles, to directly acting to help save what few wild places are left on the planet, through actively purchasing to protect and expand these wonderful jewels of Mother Nature.
Pamela is the primary caretaker of animals at SAI Sanctuary. She also does charity work as the only health professional in remote villages in the Himalayas and in Kodagu District, with all her healing work done free of charge.
Along with Dr. Malhotra, she has been both author and subject of several articles, interviews, and film documentaries on the environment, philosophy, politics, and education that have received both national and international exposure.
Some of the awards that Pamela has received includethe 2008 Karmaveer Puruskaar Award for Lifelong Fight for Social Justice presented by iCONGO (Indian Confederation of NGOs), the 2015 Award for Empowered Women from IIPT (International Institute for Peace through Tourism - India), and the 2016 Animal Activist Award from IDA(In Defense of Animals – USA.)*
3) Ms. Tara Chander – Trustee
Tara grew up in the beautiful New England area of the USA with its stunning seasonal changes. She got her BA with Teaching Certificate in the German language and literature from Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts.
It was during college that Tara decided to study abroad for a year in the magnificent European Alps. Attending the University of Salzburg in Austria, she seized every opportunity she could to get into the mountains. One hike in particular left a lasting impression as she reached the peak’s summit to witness the vast unlimited expanse of Nature transcending all manmade boundaries.
Getting her Masters Degree in Education Administration from the University of Hawaii, Tara spent 16 years as an educator and principal in that state. While there, she helped to develop a curriculum that focused on building individual character while creating bridges between peoples of different ethnic and economic backgrounds using the concept of universal values that are respected and recognized in all cultures.
For over a decade now, Tara hasworked with top international companiesin India, Europe, Philippines, Brazil, and the USA setting up training organizations across the globethat concentrate on cross-cultural communication to help link the international community together.Tara is also a certified Yoga Instructor and Life Coach.
4) Dr. S.R. Prakash – Trustee
Animals have always been at the heart of Dr. Prakash’s life. This love of animals is why he went to the National College in Bangalore, India to secure his Pre-University Bachelor of Veterinary Science, UAS degree followed by his Masters Degree in Veterinary Science from the Bangalore Veterinary College, UAS.
From chipmunks to elephants, cats to dogs, cows to parrots, Dr. Prakash has used his healing hands to help them all. As the ‘on call’ vet for all animal emergencies at SAI Sanctuary, Dr. Prakash has saved countless lives of both wild and domestic animals.
Dedicated to making the life of each of his animal patients healthy and free of pain, he works tirelessly using his vast store of knowledge in several healing techniques and modalities for the animals in his care. Along with his many years of experience and expertise, Dr. Prakash also brings large doses of compassion, comfort, and love to all the lives he touches.
Running his own veterinary clinic in Bangalore, Dr. Prakash is also a member of the Ethics Committee for Animal Care for Dayanandsagar Medical College and St. Johns Medical College. He is also an advisor to Pet Pals which is a group dedicated to animal rescue work, and on the Executive Committee for Mysore Kennel Club.
Principal Trustees – SST – USA
1) Kevan Gale – Trustee
The love of Nature began for Kevan at an early age. Having woods and a small stream on his childhood property not far from the ocean, Kevan was brought into close contact with the wonders of Nature in his youth. This love of Nature continued through his college years where he received a BS in Environmental Sciences.
While in college, he also attended the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) receiving his Masters in Forest Service from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Thereafter he spent 15 months as a Research Assistant for the National Parks Service and 18 months as a GIS analyst for Canal Forest Resources.
Kevan then spent 10 years working in the Environmental Consulting field as a senior manager with the multi-national corporation AMEC. But while this work had its own rewards, his real passions in life lay elsewhere – in outdoor sports in Nature, in cycling and swimming, in photography, and most of all in practicing and teaching Yoga.
So Kevan left his job to follow his passions. Today he is a Yoga teacher and co-owner of Stil Studio in greater Boston. He is also the creator of Fluid Yoga Enrichment Programs where he not only shares his expertise in Yoga’s various techniques, but also its philosophies in simple terms that resonate with his students of all ages and abilities.
A loving husband and father as well, Kevan continues to pursue his passions living his belief that liberating happiness can be found when we open ourselves to mind training, the dharma (path of right action or righteousness), and a life built on gratitude and love.
2) Karen Esposito – Trustee
Born and raised on the east coast of the USA, Karen’s imagination and love of creative play nurtured appreciation for the wondrous beauty of Nature and led to the early development of her natural artistic talents. As an exhibiting and award winning artist from a young age, she received years of private instruction from professional artists. Karen’s work is a reflection of her love for Mother Nature - the Master Artist and the source of her inspiration.
Karen received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education from Monmouth University, New Jersey, with certifications in Art and Elementary Education, Graphic Design, and e-Commerce. While managing art galleries in her youth, Karen exhibited and marketed her artwork while also freelancing as an illustrator and graphic artist.
Upon moving to the Hawaiian Islands, Karen received her real estate license, and with the help and support of SAI Sanctuary founders (Dr. Anil and Pamela Malhotra) established a management and consulting corporation specializing in property management and sales. She also taught special education in the state’s largest high school, and presented community workshops on character education to teachers and administrators of both public and private schools.
Prior to moving back to New Jersey, Karen spent time in India joint-venturing with an Indian company to develop an Italian-American restaurant catering to Western tourists. She managed personnel and trained cooks in Italian cuisine.
After returning to New Jersey, Karen resumed her work in the field of education. Having worked with children of all ages and developed curriculum in various disciplines, she currently administers an academic and arts enrichment program to gifted students. As a member of the community organization ‘The Shore Consortium for the Gifted and Talented,’ she also collaborates with educators in surrounding districts to offer students challenging problem solving experiences. A veteran educator, Karen believes teaching offers an opportunity to inspire the next generation to help them cultivate a sense of responsibility to protect and preserve the planet.
Advisors
1) Stephanie Jowers –Advisor
Stephanie advises and collaborates with start-ups, MBA students, incubators, government ministries, tech competitions, andan array of charitable causes and social impact organizations worldwide.She has an extensive background in social justice, movement-building, and civic engagement.
As a teenager, Stephanie played a pivotal role in the passage of the California Desert Protection Act in US Congress, which saved 6.7 million acres of land and wildlife. She helped to establish the youth environmental movement into a powerful grassroots lobby and was an inaugural board member of International Students for a Free Tibet.
Stephanie served as both a US Peace Corps Small Business Development Volunteer in Tangier, Morocco and Director of Membership and Strategic Relations at the National Peace Corps Association. Previously, she was Partner of a branding firm in New York City with non-profit clients such as The Nature Conservancy, the YWCA, United Nations Foundation, and Public Broadcasting Service.
Since 2009, Stephanie has served as Advisor at Columbia Business School and The Lang Center for Entrepreneurship. She serves as Lead Scale Advisor of the Wildlife Crime Tech Challenge, a global competition of the United States Agency for International Development in partnership with National Geographic Society, the Smithsonian Institute, and TRAFFIC. Stephanie is Chief Strategy Officer of Pretlist, a start-up with a mission to modernize retail supply chains with operations in NYC, Dubai, and Delhi.
2) Air Marshal K.C. Cariappa,PVSM, VM, IAF (Retired) – Advisor
Son of Field Marshal Cariappa (Independent India’s first Commander-in-Chief) and nephew of General Thimayya (also India’s Commander-in-Chief), Air Marshal Cariappa has been an outspoken advocate for protection of India’s wildlife and forests.
Former President of the Coorg Wildlife Society, he has also served on the Karnataka State Wildlife Advisory Board, and as Honorary Wildlife Warden for the State of Karnataka, India. His current environmental work includes promotion of a ‘Peace Park’ in the Siachen Glacier area of the Himalayas.
3) Mr. Ram Mohan Ray – Advisor
Mr. Ray has held the highest post in the Indian Forest Service – that of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) for the State of Karnataka, India (retired end February 2007) where he was head of both the Wildlife and Territorial Divisions of the Forest Service. During his tenure he strengthened protective measures for both forests and wildlife.
Author of several books on birds and wildlife, Mr. Ray was also recognized and awarded by the Government of India as the ‘Best Organizer and Administrator of Ecotourism Venture’ for his role in establishing and running the Karnataka State Ecotourism enterprise known as Jungle Lodges.
4) Dr. M.K. (Taumey) Mahendrappa – Advisor
As Senior Soil Scientist for the Canadian National Forest Service Atlantic Forestry Center, Dr. Mahendrappa was twice awarded by the Canadian Government for his environmental work.
He has also been instrumental in promoting the concept and establishments of Model Forests around the world in conjunction with the International Model Forest Network including in the Kodagu District of India.
Awards/Recognitions for SAI Sanctuary and its founders
*A full list of Awards/Recognitions for SAI Sanctuary and its founders follows:
‘The Malhotras - Founders of SAI Sanctuary Trust’
International Kolkata Wildlife & Environment Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award -2016
For the founders of SAI Sanctuary Trust
In recognition for their lifetime of work dedicated to the Protection and Preservation of Wildlife and the Environment.
Cauvery College Dr. M.M. Chengappa Environment Award – 2016 to 2017
For the founders of SAI Sanctuary Trust
In honour of their Meritorious Selfless Service in the field of Environment
Ramnath Goenka Social Service Award – 2016
SAI Sanctuary Trust and its founders
In honour of their contribution for Sustainable Development and growth with responsibility and transparency.
Dharma Seva Trust Award - 2016
For the founders of SAI Sanctuary Trust
In recognition of their work in protection of forests and wildlife, and establishment of the private forest sanctuary model.
Animal Activist Award from In Defense of Animals
Mrs. Pamela Gale Malhotra
In honour of IDA’s Activist Appreciation Month.
February 2016.
In recognition of her work to help animals and preserve their habitat.
http://www.idausa.org/about-ida/
International Institute for Peace through Tourism
Mrs. Pamela Gale Malhotra/Award Finalist
IIPT India Award 2015
The1st IIPT India Awards seek to recognize outstanding Indian women in the field of tourism who have not only empowered themselves but continue to empower others. The International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) is a 28 year old not-for-profit global organization founded on the principle that tourism, perhaps the largest industry in the world could well become the first global peace industry and that every tourist is potentially an Ambassador for Peace.IIPT India espouses the causes of poverty elimination, education, sustainable tourism, women empowerment and promotes the concept of peace and prosperity through tourism.
http://www.iipti.in/
Will of Steel
SAI Sanctuary Trust/Nomination
Planting a Forest 2015
The Will of Steel award is an empowered platform of JSW, India’s largest steel manufacturers, where many undiscovered inspirations can be recognized, appreciated and supported.
http://www.willofsteel.in/home/nominee/144
Sanctuary TOFTigers Wildlife Tourism Awards
SAI Sanctuary Trust/Award
Wildlife and Initiative of the Year 2014
India’s premier wildlife magazine, Sanctuary Asia and the nature tourism action charity, TOFTigers, combined to bring together the 3rd Sanctuary TOFTigers Wildlife Tourism Awards 2014. Their aim is to highlight and reward the very best in the nature tourism field; those individuals, businesses, service providers and community enterprises who are leading the way in Indian subcontinent wilderness destinations. Each in their own way are pioneering new ways to support and inspire wildlife conservation, engage local communities and help restoration of wildlife habitat through their vision, drive and actions.
www.toftigers.org/SanctuaryTOFTigersAwards/Winners2014.aspx
Karmaveer Noble Laureates
Mrs. Pamela Gale Malhotra/ Award
Lifelong Fight for Social Justice Through Citizen Action KVP 2008-2009
KarmaveerPuraskaar (KVP) global awards for social justice and citizen action by Citizen Samaritans and Noble Laureates are given to citizens who have stood up and raised their voice for social justice and equity.
http://karmaveerglobalawards.com/Awardees2008.html
