Meet The Fearless Tigress: Ranthambore’s Only Female Naturalist, Suraj Bai Meena

33-year-old Suraj Bai Meena hails from Bhuri Pahadi, a village adjoining zone 5 of Ranthambore National Park. Growing up, her village didn’t have electricity and the idea of a girl going to school let alone work was unheard of. Suraj comes from a large family of six brothers, and one sister. Her sister is not educated and neither are some of her brothers. But her brother Hemraj, who worked as a naturalist recognised the spark in her to be something more and moved to Sawai Madhopur with her, where she was enrolled in a school. “Jab acche number se pass hui tab itni khush hui ki mujhe padhna toh aata hai,” she said with a childlike glint in her eyes.

Suraj began her journey in 2007, when she was all of 16 years old. After defying all odds and challenging a number of stereotypes today she is the first woman naturalist to work at Ranthambore National Park, and has conducted over 7,000 guided tours.

Today, Suraj has not only made her own life better, but also inspired many others to follow suit. “Aaj mere ghar ke sabhi ladkiyan padhi likhi hai, yehi mere liye sabsi badi baat hai.” She also conducts outreach programs with NGOs to raise awareness about the importance of educating girls in nearby villages. She proudly shares with us that girls today are studying, applying for jobs, and exploring opportunities outside their hometown.

Suraj continues to work after having been married for 12 years and having two children. She simultaneously completed her BA, MA, and B.Ed over the years.