Nature Admire: A School of Grit, Growth, and Gratitude”
“The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” – Aristotle
Nature Admire is not just an organization—it is a testament to transformation, resilience, and the power of collective belief. For me, as its founder, it has been a school where life itself became the curriculum, teaching lessons of courage, failure, reinvention, and gratitude. But this school wasn’t exclusive to me; it became a cradle of learning and opportunity for countless adventure outfits, mountaineers, and patrons who crossed its path.
My journey began as a 17-year-old with nothing but a burning passion and a dream: to graduate from NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) in the USA. With threadbare clothes, broken shoes, and no formal education, I ventured into entrepreneurship, armed only with determination and the kindness of others. My first letterhead was born from a friend’s generosity—Mr. Rajesh Raghunandan lent me ₹100 from his pocket money. Using photocopies and his home phone, we pieced together the foundation of an idea that would one day inspire many.
Attending the NOLS course in Wyoming in 1999 seemed like an impossible dream. Yet, the generosity of friends, benefactors, and mentors—Mr. Krishnan Kutty, Mr. Ravi, Mr. Kevin McGowan, Ms. Molloy Doron, my brother Mr. Vedanananda, and my uncle—turned that dream into reality. I returned home, brimming with gratitude and purpose, and found companions like Mr. Rajesh and Mr. Birjesh, who shared the mission to uplift Nature Admire.
Under the guidance of mentors like Capt. T.R. Srinivas, we learned the principles of business ethics and customer care, despite struggling with resources like computers or internet access. Bengaluru’s adventure scene in the late 90s and early 2000s was in its infancy, but Nature Admire became a base for many aspiring adventure clubs, introducing innovative activities and reaching out through print media and radio.
Though success came in fragments—being a finalist in Lead India 2007 and runner-up in the TATA NEN Hottest Startups 2007—the journey was fraught with challenges. A lack of business skills, financial constraints, and emotional resilience often held us back. Yet, through government collaborations like developing Jog Falls and regularizing trekking trails, we found opportunities to learn and contribute to eco-tourism.
I am eternally grateful to all our clients—individuals, corporations, and educational institutions—who placed their trust in Nature Admire. They not only respected me but extended help whenever I needed it most. Their unwavering support and encouragement have left an indelible mark on my journey. There were moments of poor management and untoward incidents, but even those experiences taught me invaluable lessons. Challenging and tough clients, in particular, have been my greatest teachers. Without their constructive criticism and high expectations, I would never have been able to sharpen my skills, grow professionally, or refine my approach.
Today, the adventure industry is thriving, with passionate young professionals offering a range of activities. Initiatives like Decathlon’s gear, improved connectivity through PM Gram Sadak Yojana, and village infrastructure have opened new doors for rural entrepreneurship and enriched the Himalayan experience.
Nature Admire has grown into a globally recognized sustainable adventure organization, contributing to conservation and research projects. Under the new leadership of Mr. Chirag Kumar, it is evolving to meet the aspirations of the younger generation, exploring new avenues and fostering innovation.
For me, Nature Admire has been more than a business; it has been a sanctuary of learning and redemption. Despite my flaws, failures, and moments of despair, it stood by me when the world did not. I remain eternally grateful to this school of life, which has given me not only a career but also a second chance to grow, reflect, and contribute meaningfully.
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” – Melody Beattie
