Biodiversity Champion: Ram Dayal Vaishnav Wins the 2026 Dharmavana Youth Award

It is with immense pride and joy that The Naturalist School (TNS) announces a momentous achievement for our community. One of our own, Ram Dayal Vaishnav, has been honored with the prestigious Dharmavana International Youth Biodiversity Award 2026.

This award is a celebration of tireless dedication, unwavering passion and a profound commitment to protecting the delicate balance of life on our planet. We are absolutely thrilled to see Ram’s incredible work recognized at such an elite level

A Milestone for Conservation and Partnership

The award was conferred upon Ram by the Minister of Environment & Forests of Telangana, Konda Surekha, the Founder & Mentor of the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Centre, Srijan Pal Singh and the CEO of Dharmavana Nature Ark, Sarada Kalavapudi during the International Youth Biodiversity Conference 2026 (an initiative of the Telangana Biodiversity Board). This prestigious honor includes a citation, certificate and a cash prize of INR 1,00,000.

Accompanied by a beautiful handcrafted wooden trophy featuring laser-cut silhouettes of the acacia-rich landscapes he works to protect, this honor highlights Ram’s “exceptional contribution and leadership in biodiversity conservation and youth-driven environmental action.”

The award announcement date – February 23rd, 2026 – also coincides with the 4th anniversary of the partnership between Dharmavana Nature Ark (DNA) co-founders William Frederick Dürr and Harish Yarlagadda. Through this annual award, DNA reflects its belief that investing in young leaders is essential to safeguarding ecological futures. Our heart is full of gratitude toward the DNA team for initiating this prestigious honor.

The Recipient: A Legacy of Excellence

Ram Dayal Vaishnav, currently a PhD Research Scholar studying Citizen Science for Biodiversity Documentation at Trans Disciplinary University (TDU), has built a remarkable career at the intersection of technology and nature. His work as the Head of Citizen Engagement at TNS has been transformative, notably expanding the City Nature Challenge to over 200 cities across India.

Beyond TNS, Ram’s impact is global:

• International Leadership: He serves as Secretary for three working groups within the Citizen Science Global Partnership, collaborating directly with UN agencies.
• Scientific Contribution: As a member of the IUCN Task Force on Citizen Science & IUCN SSC Western Ghats Plant Specialist Group, he works on critical Red List assessments for threatened species.
• Technological Innovation: Leveraging his background as an Software Engineer, Ram has created many innovative solutions (like custom web apps and AI tools) to automate biodiversity data collection, making conservation more efficient and accessible.

Words of Inspiration

The leadership of both DNA and TNS shared their heartfelt congratulations on this milestone:

Sarada Kalavapudi, CEO of Dharmavana Nature Ark (DNA):

“Congratulations, Ram! Winning the DharmaVana Youth Biodiversity Award is a significant milestone. Your efforts in protecting and promoting biodiversity are making a real difference in India and globally. Thank you for being a champion for the environment and citizen science—an inspiration to our community. Look forward to calling you as Dr. Ram!”

Priya V, Founder Director of The Naturalist School (TNS):

“We are incredibly proud of Ram, not just for his expertise, but for his role as a bridge. This award recognizes the urgent need for biodiversity ambassadors who can mobilize citizens and foster a deep, personal connection with our environment. Ram represents a new generation of leaders who understand that the survival of our ecosystems depends on our ability to inspire the public to stand up for them.”

The Journey Continues

“This recognition belongs to the entire Citizen Science community – every volunteer and observer across India who picks up a camera or a notebook to document our natural world,” Ram shared. “It’s a milestone for all of us, and I hope it paves the way for thousands more to join in safeguarding our ecological future.”

As Ram continues his journey toward higher research and deeper field impact, he carries with him the unwavering support of the TNS family. We are incredibly honored to walk this path with him as he works to grow the Citizen Science community in India to unprecedented heights.

Please join us to congratulate Ram Dayal Vaishnav on this well-deserved honor! Let’s celebrate this huge win for Ram and for the future of biodiversity in India.