who we are
Founded by the visionary ecologist, economist and ornithologist Shri Prakash Gole, the Ecological Society has carved a name for itself in the field of ecological approach to sustainable development and nature conservation.
The genesis of the Society goes back to March 1982, when a group of concerned individuals held discussions and formulated plans to set up a trust to further ecological research and education. The founder members are – Mr. Prakash Gole and Dr. (Mrs.) Swati Gole, Dr. and Mrs. Wadia, Dr. S.V. Bhave, Late Mr. L.G. Rajwade , former Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra, Late Mr. Keskar - Director Town Planning , Government of Maharashtra, Late Mr. J.S. Tilak, Chairman , Legislative Council of Maharashtra. ( Read his Obituary by Geese.org )
meet the team
Dr. Swati Gole
Dr. Swati Gole is the Chairperson of ES. She retired as Head of department of Geography, and has been in the founding team of Ecological Society. She has been deeply involved in the Society's projects and has contributed to development of the education program. She has several publications in journals. (See publications)
Shri Vishwas Sawarkar
Shri Sawarkar was the Director of the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. He is a well know researcher and conservationist and has been assisting government departments in this. He has published several research papers in international journals (see here)
Ambarish Thakkar
Ambarish is an entrepreneur and passionate environmentalist. He assists the Ecological Society in its programs and supports administrative aspects of the Society.
Ajay Phatak
Ajay is a consulting IT professional. He headed the Harman Pune operations and is a passionate energy-ecologist. His research interest is energy economics and sustainable economy.
Dr. Gurudas Nulkar
Gurudas is an academician. His specialisation is environmental sustainability in industy and has a PhD and a post-doctorate in sustainable development. He has published three books and several papers. (see here)
Manasi Karandikar
Manasi is the co-founder of Oikos, an organisation undertaking ecological restoration. She has been on several government and municipal bodies on biodiversity. Manasi has authored books and articles.She is a recipient of the 'Unch majha zoka' award of Zee TV. (See publications)
Ketaki Ghate
Ketaki is the co-founder of Oikos. Ketaki has worked on several government and municipal projects on biodiversity and with Manasi has authored books and articles. She is a recipient of the 'Unch majha zoka' award of Zee TV.