Dr Anupam Kamal
Your journey is not the same as mine, and mine is not yours; but if you meet me on the path, we may encourage each other. – Author Holly
I am more concerned with my character than my reputation, because my character is who I really am, while my reputation is what others think I am! – Adapted from John Wooden’s quote
- Hony. Doctorate (Social Work), Masters in Sociology, Diplomas in Computer Science & Business Management
- General Secretary – ISHWAR (NGO) [www.ishwarngo.org]
- Machirologist – National Record holder in Limca Book of Records for India’s largest collection of knives
- Digital Journalism from Reuters
- Gallantry Award from the President of India
- Commendation Roll (Bravery) from Commissioner, Delhi Police
- Jijabai Golden Plaque Award from Shivaji College, University of Delhi, for exemplary contributions to society
- Red & White Bravery Award for gallantry
- National level shooter (Renowned Shot in 10m and 50m Olympic Pistol) Silver Medalist – Delhi State & Bronze Medalist – North Zone Shooting Championships; Gold, Silver & Bronze Medals in District level competitions.
- Certified NRAI National Judge (Rifle & Pistol)
- Author of book – Wild Perspectives (copyright 2021)
- Wildlife Photographer & Naturalist
Formerly:
- Hony. Secretary – Delhi State Rifle Association
- Member – Governing Board, Delhi State Rifle Association
- President – South Delhi District Rifle Association (Regd.)
- Special Police Officer – Delhi Police
- Dy Post Warden – Delhi Civil Defence
- Member – St John Ambulance Brigade, Indian Red Cross
An alumnus of esteemed institutions like St. Columba’s School, Hans Raj College (Delhi University), Meerut University, and DAV, I’ve always had science in my blood and a curious eye for technology – especially things that cut, shoot, or fly. Alongside this fascination with mechanics and innovation, I hold a deep reverence for nature and wildlife, firmly believing that their conservation isn’t just noble – it’s essential for the survival and sanity of life on Earth.
I was a sports enthusiast from a young age and was just nine when I first appeared in The Hindustan Times during my school’s annual sports day celebrations.
But beyond the field, another passion quietly took root – community service. Giving back came instinctively. Nearly 40 years ago, I received my first award for social work at the age of 15. What began with helping blind students write their exams and running a free first-aid centre from home, evolved into organising drug de-addiction camps during my early years as a police officer. In 2004, driven by a vision for inclusive growth, I took over as the General Secretary of an NGO ISHWAR, which focused on non-formal education, and ever since, the NGO has become a platform of hope and empowerment for underprivileged children.
Today, I continue to serve and support over 200 children from slum and underprivileged communities – working across education, vocational training, health, and sports. For me, this is more than service; it’s a lifelong commitment to uplift and transform.
As a young adult, I immersed myself in training across rescue services, fire-fighting, first aid, weapons handling, and wireless radio communications – skills that would shape both my passion and my calling. In time, Outlook magazine fittingly dubbed me an “Altruist-at-Arms” in their feature titled Local Heroes. Fortunately, on several occasions, I was in positions where I could save lives, often putting my own at risk. For these acts of service, I was honoured with multiple awards for gallantry. The most humbling of them all came when the President of India, Shri R. Venkataraman, personally pinned a Gallantry Medal on my chest at the Rashtrapati Bhawan – a moment of pride and quiet gratitude I will carry forever.
I also received the highest honour from the Delhi Police, the prestigious Commendation Roll from the Commissioner of Police for gallantry. In addition, I was also appointed as a Special Police Officer when I was only 19 years of age. Later, over time, I received over 2-dozen certificates, commendations, citations and newspaper mentions by the Delhi Police.
During the 1991 Gulf War, I was deployed by the Indian Red Cross to assist the Government of India in a critical mission – establishing the only available wireless communication links with Baghdad. These links became a vital lifeline for determining the welfare of countless stranded Indians caught in the chaos of war.
Though my dream of joining the Indian Armed Forces was gently vetoed by concerned parents, being the only son, I still found a way to experience military life. As a Cadet in the Senior Division of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), I trained with the Army’s Armoured Corps, embracing discipline and patriotism as core values. I underwent rigorous weapons training and completed the Motor Transport course at MT School, where I familiarized myself with military vehicles and tanks. My efforts culminated in an honor few cadets receive – selection for the prestigious Prime Minister’s Rally, where I took part in a warfare simulation demonstration before the Prime Minister of India.
Even before my NCC days, I was a proud and meritorious Scout during school – learning essential survival skills, outdoor camping, and the spirit of service. Those formative years instilled in me a deep respect for preparedness and community welfare.
After school, I continued my commitment to public service by joining Delhi Civil Defence as a Warden. Working closely with the police, I was involved in emergency response, community safety, and disaster preparedness, earning several honours along the way. These experiences further cemented my belief in disciplined service and civic responsibility.
Sports were never left behind. My early training in weapons naturally extended into the realm of shooting sports, where a casual hobby soon turned into a serious pursuit. Over time, I transitioned from a recreational shooter to a medal-winning, national-level ‘Renowned Shooter’ – a distinction that brought both recognition and responsibility.
With a desire to give back to the sport that had given me so much, I took on leadership roles to promote shooting at the grassroots. I was elected President of a South Delhi District Rifle Association and later to the Governing Board, and eventually, Hony. Secretary of the Delhi State Rifle Association – the apex body for shooting sports in Delhi State. Through these roles, I’ve worked to nurture talent, improve infrastructure, and make the sport more accessible to aspiring marksmen and women.
An unusual childhood fascination with knives eventually earned me the rather unique title of a Machirologist – a collector and connoisseur of knives. What began as a curious hobby turned into a lifelong passion, culminating in national recognition when I set India’s first official record for the largest knife collection, as documented in the Limca Book of Records. A quirky pursuit, perhaps – but one that sliced its way into history!
Photography has been a faithful companion since my teenage years, evolving from a casual hobby into a powerful means of expression. Over time, it transformed me into a naturalist and a devoted nature warrior. Through my lens, I strive to capture not just the beauty of wildlife and the majesty of landscapes, but also the quiet joy of being immersed in the wild.
My work has been fortunate to receive recognition, with several of my photographs being selected for prestigious competitions — including features on Wild Bird Trust and Wild Bird Revolution, renowned platforms affiliated with the National Geographic channel, Pixel Photo Magazine, Wildlife Today, and even on India’s national TV broadcaster – Doordarshan! Each frame is my humble attempt to remind the world of what’s worth protecting.
In sharing my life’s journey, my hope is simple — to inspire children and young adults to look beyond the boundaries of textbooks, classrooms, and office cubicles, and discover the fulfillment that comes from serving the community. If my story sparks even a flicker of motivation to make a positive difference, I will consider it time well spent.
There are many more stories to tell, and I will continue to share them in the days to come. While I may not claim mastery over words, I write from the heart — and I warmly welcome any feedback or suggestions to improve the expression and clarity on my webpages.
Reach me on: emailanupamkamal [at] gmail [dot] com