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USA (Commonwealth Union)_ Renowned Indian American photojournalist, author, and documentary filmmaker Sandesh V. Kadur has been appointed to the Board of Trustees of the National Geographic Society, showcasing his significant contributions to wildlife documentaries. Born in Bangalore, Kadur is a recognized National Geographic Explorer with a portfolio of award-winning films that have been featured on prominent networks such as National Geographic, the BBC, Netflix, Discovery Channel, and Animal Planet.
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The Society has also welcomed other distinguished figures as new board members, including Kate Brandt, chief sustainability officer at Google; John K. Delaney, former Maryland Congressman and founder of Forbright Bank; and Evan G. Greenberg, CEO and chairman of Chubb Ltd. & Chubb Group. This diverse group of experts is expected to strengthen society’s commitment to advancing global understanding and preservation through science, exploration, education, and storytelling.
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Jean Case, the Society’s Board Chair, expressed delight at welcoming these distinguished individuals, highlighting the importance of their varied expertise and unique viewpoints in effecting real change and addressing global issues. He stated, “We are delighted to welcome these four distinguished individuals to the National Geographic Society Board of Trustees”. He added, “It is essential to have a team of strong leaders with varied expertise and unique viewpoints in order to make real change and highlight global issues, and the addition of this exceptional group will prove invaluable as we continue to work towards our ambitious commitment of exploring and protecting the wonder of our world.”
Kadur’s appointment is particularly significant as he takes on the role of the second-ever “Explorer Trustee,” created to represent the perspectives of society’s global community of Explorers. As an Explorer Trustee, Kadur will serve a two-year term and play a crucial role in leveraging the knowledge and expertise of the Explorer community. His appointment aligns with the Society’s mission to explore and protect the wonders of the world. Kadur’s work is recognized for revealing rare places and species, inspiring a passion for their protection. His recent projects include “Our Planet” for Netflix and “The Okavango Experience,” a groundbreaking virtual reality series, and the BBC’s productions “Seven Worlds One Planet” and “Planet Earth II”.
Additionally, the director has also produced influential documentary series for National Geographic, such as the two-part “India’s Wild Leopards” and the three-part “Wild Cats of India,” which provide a captivating view into India’s abundant wildlife. Kadur’s impact extends beyond filmmaking, as he is also the co-author of two popular books, “Sahyadris: India’s Western Ghats—A Vanishing Heritage” (2005) and “Himalaya—Mountains of Life” (2013). His first documentary and book played a major role in bringing attention to the Western Ghats, leading to UNESCO‘s recognition of the area as a World Heritage Site in 2012. A 2017 Emmy nomination and the 2017 BAFTA Award were among the many international honors he has received in recognition of his work on BBC’s “Planet Earth II.”
Further, Kadur holds a degree in wildlife biology from the University of Texas at Brownsville and mostly stays in Bangalore. The National Geographic Society, based in Washington, D.C., is among the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational institutions, working across diverse fields. Its mission encompasses geography, archaeology, natural science, environmental and historical conservation, and the exploration of world culture and history. Through its media operations in partnership with The Walt Disney Company, the Society reaches global audiences through its magazine, television channels, website, and events. It supports research and exploration through grants and plays a vital role in education, reaching millions of students annually with its educational offerings.
