Ashwani
Agarwal: General Manager, Age 48 years, brings with him a varied
experience which makes us proud that he has decided to be associated with
us. After having worked with the Taj Group of Hotels for 22 years in various
departments he one day decided the day was near to do what his heart always
wanted him to do, i.e. follow the ethos of Gandhiji. The day he quit the
Taj Group of Hotels, we met, and it was in few minutes that we decided that
we would be a great team together. After sharing the dream of what Chitvan
would be, we realized that we had a common dream, which was to inculcate
an Alternative Lifestyle at Chitvan.
He comes from a family which participated in the Indian Freedom Movement.
His parents had the opportunity to stay in the Wardha Ashram of Mahatma
Gandhi for 5 years. The First President of India, Late Dr Rajendra Prasad
learnt how to make Cotton from Ashwanis mother in the Wardha Ashram.
A family which brings forth Values of Gandhiji, and follows till date the
simple living and high thinking values.
We shared our vision with him that we wanted the whole set up of Chitvan
in 100 days. He worked on his plan for 100 hours, then explained the same
to us in 100 minutes, and we were convinced that Chitvan could not have
been in better hands. Working with 100% commitment, he is an energizer,
who distributes energy to everyone whom he meets. You need to encounter
him to find out that he is a mover and a shaker.
Sharad
Vats: Director, Sales & Marketing, Age 42 years, it was in
year 1990, during his first visit to Ranthambhore National Park, and his
first Tiger sightings that he realized that he had to do something to be
associated with the Wildlife. A passion for Tigers got him to quit his 11
year old career with Taj Group of Hotels and he combined his passion of
Wildlife with Hoteliering and started Tiger Den Resort Bandhavgarh alongwith
Shailendra Tiwari. It took a while to establish Tiger Den Resort, the process
was slow, but a great amount of learning en route.
The fire in his belly to do more with Wildlife got him and Shailendra thinking
about a project in Kanha. It was not only putting a Resort together but
this place had to be different. This place had to be what India is all about,
and then Chitvan was born. A visionary who promotes meaningful and responsible
tourism today wants to be present in every Tiger Reserve of consequence
via a Wildlife Resort in near future.
Shailendra Tiwari: Director Operations, 42 years, he started
Tiger Den Resort, in Bandhavgarh in year 2000, after a fruitful career with
Taj Group of Hotels spanning over 16 years. An introvert by nature, he works
from his heart, and soon established new benchmarks in Wildlife Hospitality
at Tiger Den Resort in Bandhavgarh. He did what none thought important to
do, that was spoil his guests with warmth, pamper them thoroughly, and treat
them like Royalty. Word of mouth spread and people worldwide today ask for
Tiger Den Resort in Bandhavgarh. The demand is so high that Shailendra is
constrained to increase number of rooms every year. Started with 10 rooms
today the resort has 26 rooms. He along with Sharad, a friend for last 20
years decided to spread their Wildlife Hospitality across more National
Parks. Kanha being near to Bandhavgarh was an obvious choice, and that is
how Chitvan was born.
Qamar Talat: Director, age 55, after
working in Taj Group of Hotels for 18 years, decided to get associated with
Sharad and Shailendra in Chitvan. Together the 3 formed Chitvan Jungle Lodges.
Based out of Dubai he is a constant source of inspiration, and support.
An open and large hearted gentleman like a Tiger, he is a clean and quick
thinker who never compromises on quality, and believes in the fact that
a Hotelier can be a Wildlifer but the journey the other way round is tough.
Sanjay Thakre (Naturalist), age 30 years: He is the fouth generation born in the Kanha Tiger reserve. Since birth he has walked in these forests daily, and understands not only the birds and mammals in this forest, but the trees, plants and shrubs equally well. His father served the forest department as incharge of the Elephants, and now serves the local community as a naturopath. While Sanjay talks less during the safaris, please do not think he is not sharing information, rather he is listening to the language of the resident denizens of the Jungle and his mental radar is tracing the big cat in the proximity. Trust him fully to give you a good experience during the safari, and you will come back and tell the Manager that you again want Sanjay on your next Safari.
Chitvan Jungle Lodge Reservation Form
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