Surendra S. Panwar
Founder & President
About the Founder: A Visionary Behind MONAL
The Founder and President of Mass of Nature and Adventure Lovers (MONAL) brings a unique blend of expertise and passion for conservation and community development. With a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) and mountaineering training from the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), Uttarkashi, he has effectively combined academic knowledge and mountaineering skills to design impactful programs that empower youth and protect nature.
Since 2008, he has been actively engaged in wildlife conservation, focusing on preserving the rich biodiversity of the Himalayan region, including identifying over 300 bird species. His vision for MONAL is to merge adventure, conservation, and employment generation, offering innovative initiatives like trekking-cum-guide training, bird-watching courses, snow skiing workshops, and disaster management programs.
Through MONAL, he aims to inspire communities to connect with nature, work towards its preservation, and create sustainable opportunities for the region’s youth.
Surendra S. Panwar
The Team
Brijesh Dharamshaktu
Brijesh Dharamshaktu
Naturalist and Survival Skills Expert
Brijesh Dharamshaktu is a seasoned Naturalist with over 15 years of experience, specializing in rescue techniques and survival skills. Since 2008, he has been deeply involved in understanding and conserving the rich biodiversity of the Himalayan region, making him an invaluable asset to MONAL.
Brijesh’s extensive knowledge in wilderness survival and rescue operations ensures that participants in MONAL’s programs are well-prepared to navigate and thrive in challenging environments. His expertise extends to educating and mentoring individuals on how to connect with nature while emphasizing the importance of safety and preparedness.
Passionate about wildlife and adventure, Brijesh is dedicated to fostering an appreciation for the natural world and equipping others with the skills to protect and preserve it. In his leisure time, he enjoys exploring remote landscapes and documenting the unique flora and fauna of the region.
Mangal Singh Negi
Chief Instructor for Skiing and Mountaineering
Mangal Singh Negi brings a wealth of experience and expertise to MONAL as the Chief Instructor for Skiing and Mountaineering. A former Chief Instructor at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Pahalgam, and an ex-army personnel, his leadership and skills in adventure training are unparalleled.
With decades of experience in high-altitude mountaineering and skiing, Mangal Singh Negi plays a crucial role in MONAL’s training programs, mentoring participants in both technical skills and safety protocols. His disciplined approach and commitment to excellence ensure that trainees receive top-notch instruction in these challenging and rewarding activities.
Passionate about fostering youth development through adventure sports, he is dedicated to equipping the next generation with the skills and confidence to excel in the field. When not instructing, Mangal Singh Negi enjoys exploring uncharted trails and sharing his vast knowledge of the mountains with others.
Mangal Singh Negi
Susheela Bhoj
Susheela Bhoj
Mountaineering Instructor
Susheela Bhoj is a highly skilled mountaineer and instructor, bringing her extensive expertise to MONAL. Having completed all levels of mountaineering courses from renowned institutes, she possesses advanced technical skills and a deep understanding of high-altitude terrains.
As a Mountaineering Instructor at MONAL, Susheela is dedicated to training and mentoring aspiring mountaineers, ensuring they develop the skills and confidence needed to excel in challenging environments. Her attention to detail, focus on safety, and ability to inspire participants make her a valuable leader in MONAL’s adventure programs.
Driven by her passion for the mountains, Susheela is committed to empowering others to explore the Himalayas while fostering a respect for nature. In her free time, she enjoys scaling new peaks and sharing her mountaineering experiences with the next generation of adventurers.
Anita
Adventure Program Expert
Anita is a skilled trekker and a key member of MONAL, bringing her expertise and enthusiasm to every project she undertakes. She has completed the Basic Mountaineering Course, Advanced Mountaineering Course, and Search and Rescue Training from the prestigious Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), Uttarkashi. These certifications make her a highly capable and reliable leader in high-altitude and challenging environments.
At MONAL, Anita plays a pivotal role in managing school camps, trekking camps, and bird-watching training programs. Her meticulous planning and hands-on guidance ensure that every participant has a safe, enriching, and memorable experience.
Anita’s passion for adventure and her commitment to inspiring youth through outdoor learning embody the spirit of MONAL. Her leadership has not only enhanced MONAL’s programs but also contributed to the personal and professional growth of many young individuals.
Anita
Pushkar Arya
Pushkar Arya
Naturalist and Bird-Watching Expert
Pushkar Arya is a dedicated Naturalist with a remarkable talent for bird watching and engaging group presentations. His expertise in identifying and understanding avian life has made him an integral part of MONAL’s wildlife conservation and bird-watching programs.
At MONAL, Pushkar excels in educating groups about the diverse bird species of the Himalayan region, creating interactive and insightful presentations that inspire participants to connect with nature. His ability to effectively communicate complex ecological concepts ensures that every session is both educational and enjoyable.
Passionate about wildlife and conservation, Pushkar is committed to raising awareness about the importance of preserving biodiversity. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring bird habitats and documenting the unique behaviors of avian species in their natural environments.
Dhruv Joshi
High-Altitude Mountaineer and Safety Expert
Dhruv Joshi is an accomplished mountaineer with extensive experience in high-altitude expeditions. Known for his exceptional knowledge of mountain terrains and safety protocols, Dhruv has successfully undertaken some of the most challenging expeditions, making him a cornerstone of MONAL’s adventure programs.
At MONAL, Dhruv plays a vital role in guiding and mentoring participants, emphasizing both technical skills and the importance of safety in the mountains. His deep understanding of high-altitude environments ensures that every expedition is conducted with precision and care.
Driven by his passion for exploration and his commitment to sharing the beauty of the Himalayas, Dhruv inspires others to push their limits while respecting nature. When not leading expeditions, he enjoys scouting new routes and enhancing his expertise in mountaineering techniques.
Dhruv Joshi
Deepak Panwar
Deepak Panwar
Trekker and Wildlife Conservationist
Deepak Panwar is a dedicated trekker and an active advocate for wildlife conservation. His passion for nature drives his work at MONAL, where he plays a vital role in arranging and managing trekking camps and contributing to conservation initiatives.
With his deep understanding of the Himalayan ecosystem, Deepak ensures that every camp he organizes provides participants with an immersive experience in nature, fostering awareness and respect for the environment. His commitment to wildlife conservation is evident in his efforts to protect biodiversity and educate others about the importance of preserving natural habitats.
A true outdoor enthusiast, Deepak combines his love for adventure with a mission to safeguard the region’s rich flora and fauna. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring wildlife-rich areas and developing sustainable approaches to conservation.
Sundar Lal
Trek Leader and Bird-Watching Camp Coordinator
Sundar Lal is a dynamic and passionate trek leader, known for his ability to guide and inspire trekking groups and bird-watching enthusiasts. As a young and energetic member of MONAL, Sundar has quickly gained recognition for his leadership skills and in-depth knowledge of the Himalayan region.
Specializing in leading trekking expeditions and organizing bird-watching camps, Sundar ensures that every participant has a safe, enjoyable, and educational experience. His enthusiasm for nature and adventure makes him an excellent mentor, fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment among participants.
With his commitment to exploring the mountains and sharing their beauty, Sundar continues to be an integral part of MONAL’s mission to promote adventure and conservation. In his free time, he enjoys discovering new trails and honing his trekking skills.
Sundar Lal
Manoj Kumar
Manoj Kumar
Ski Instructor and Trekking Expert
Manoj Kumar is a skilled ski instructor and accomplished trekker, known for his dedication to mentoring and guiding trainees at MONAL. With his expertise in skiing and trekking, he ensures that participants not only learn technical skills but also gain confidence and appreciation for the
outdoors.
At MONAL, Manoj has been instrumental in delivering skiing courses and leading trekking expeditions, earning admiration for his patient teaching style and ability to motivate trainees. His passion for adventure sports and his commitment to excellence make him a valuable part of the team.
Manoj’s efforts have helped many participants excel in their training programs, fostering a love for adventure and nature. In his free time, he enjoys refining his skills on the slopes and exploring new trekking routes in the Himalayas.