For Manav Sajan, nature has always been his greatest textbook. Growing up in the serene landscapes of Attappady, the influence of his surroundings, coupled with the guidance of his nature-loving father and an education that encouraged exploration, shaped his journey. Reading, observing and immersing himself in the diversity of life helped him reach an extraordinary milestone—securing the third rank in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) for Ecology and Evolution. Here’s a look at his inspiring academic path.

The GATE to success
Manav did not undergo any special coaching for the exam. Ecology and Evolution, a key discipline in Wildlife Studies, had always been a subject of deep interest. He relied on reference notes and most importantly, extensive reading. He believes that his passion for the subject played a crucial role in achieving this remarkable feat.

The School of Nature
Attappady, where Manav was born and raised, played a pivotal role in deepening his connection with nature. He completed his schooling at Vidyavanam School on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, an institution that fostered independent learning. The school required students to undertake a project each year, and Manav’s choices naturally revolved around birds and forests. This early exposure honed his ability to study independently, a skill that proved invaluable throughout his academic journey.

Passion for learning and achievements
Manav’s love for nature extends beyond academics—he is an avid reader of books on wildlife and ecology. His dedication has earned him prestigious recognitions, including the Young Birdwatcher Award from the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History in Coimbatore—an honour he has received four times. For him, travel and reading remain his primary modes of learning.

Exploring the wild
Currently, Manav is pursuing a postgraduate degree in Wildlife Studies at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun. This field is not widely offered, with only a few institutions providing comprehensive courses. In Kerala, the subject is available at the Veterinary University, but WII offers a more expansive curriculum. A science degree is the minimum eligibility for admission.

Wildlife Studies is an interdisciplinary field, allowing students to explore multiple subjects, conduct research across various ecosystems and gain hands-on experience. One of the unique aspects of the course is the final-semester project—six months of full-time field research. As part of this, Manav is currently back in Attappady, conducting his study.

For those who follow
For those passionate about nature, Wildlife Studies offers immense possibilities beyond the academic sphere. Research is a major avenue, but opportunities also exist in NGOs and conservation projects. In both public and private sectors, biologist and naturalist roles offer promising career prospects. However, immediate job placements may not always align with expectations. Manav believes that for those who truly love nature, this field opens vast windows of opportunity.

Manav Sajan hails from Agali in Palakkad, and is son of Sajan Kasim and Sindhu, the headmistress of Karara Government UP School.