A Gist of Tiger Solanki

D.S.D. Solanki, affectionately known as "Tiger Solanki," was born on March 2, 1973, into a business family. He pursued his education at esteemed institutions in Mysore, including:- St. Mary's School- St. Philomena's High School

- Mahajana PU College- Vidya Vardhaka Law College

This solid educational foundation laid the groundwork for his future endeavors.

Tiger Solanki, also known as D.S.D. Solanki, had a remarkable career as an NCC cadet ¹. He was part of the No. 8 Troop of St. Philomena's and was recognized as the Best Cadet Junior Division in 1988 for the Army, Navy, and Air Wing at the NCC Group Headquarters in Mysore.

His leadership skills were evident when he led his troop as Flight Sergeant in 1988. He was also awarded as the Best Contingent Commander of the Best Troop of the Army, Navy, and Air Wing NCC Group Headquarters, Mysore.

Tiger Solanki's adventure pursuits took him to new heights, literally! He underwent training in Para Sailing and Gliding, earning a certificate from the Aero Club of India in New Delhi. He also achieved all three certificates - "A," "B," and "C" - and served as the Cadet Under Officer of the 4 Karnataka Air Squadron Mysore from 1991 to 1992

Tiger Solanki's journey as a Rotaract leader is truly inspiring. Here are some highlights:
Rotaract Achievements
1. Charter President: Rotaract Club of Mysore South East (1993)
2. District Rotaract Representative: Elected unopposed at just 22 years old, a record that still stands today
3. 100% RI and Dist Dues Collection: Achieved a remarkable feat, collecting all dues successfully
4. Led Rotaractors to Victory: Clinched the Asia Zone Cricket trophy at Rotasia-96 in Varanasi
5. Hosted Silver Jubilee Rotaract Conference: Organized "Rajat-96" at Mysore
6. Rotaract Assignment in the USA: Selected as one of three representatives from India for a two-year assignment
After completing his Rotaract tenure in 1997, Tiger Solanki reverted to his passion for adventure, organizing numerous adventure programs. His leadership skills, achievements, and dedication to service continue to inspire others.

@Karnataka Police Academy 

Tiger Solanki's expertise in adventure sports has made him a sought-after trainer. Here are some notable organizations he has worked with:

Adventure Training Experience

1. Youth Hostel Association of India, New Delhi

2. Almanac International Voluntary Adventure Club

3. Deccan Mountaineering League

4. International Academy of Mountaineering and Allied Sports

5. Karnataka Police Academy

6. Police Training College, Gulbarga

7. Police Training School, Channapatana

8. Administrative Training Institute

With over two decades of experience, Tiger Solanki has shared his knowledge and skills with various groups, promoting adventure sports and safety protocols.

Tiger Solanki's contributions to the adventure community are truly remarkable. Here are the organizations he has founded:

Adventure Organizations Founded

1. Rotaract Adventure Corps (1997)

2. Tiger Adventure Corps (1998)

3. International Academy of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (2001)

4. Rotary Mysore Adventure Corps (2002)

5. Rotary Mysore Midtown Adventure Foundation (2005)

6. Society for Trekking and Environmental Protection (STEP), New Delhi (2009)

7. Tiger Adventure Foundation (2013)

8. The Mountain Goat (2015)

Tiger Solanki's dedication to promoting adventure sports, environmental protection, and community engagement is inspiring. His efforts have likely touched countless lives and contributed significantly to the growth of the adventure community.

Tiger Solanki's commitment to Rotary International is truly impressive. Here are some highlights of his service: 

Rotary International Service

1. Member of Rotary Midtown: Joined in August 1997 and served until March 16, 2025

2. Held various positions:

    - Director

    - Honorary Secretary

    - District Chairman, Inter-District Youth Exchange

    - Zonal Coordinator, Public Relations, Rotaract Committee (Zone 7, RI District 3180 and 3181)

    - Chairman, District Awards Committee (RI District 3181)

    - District Rotary Friendship Exchange Chair

3. New Chapter: Joined Rotary Mysore Metro on March 20, 2025

4. Family's commitment to Rotary: All family members are Paul Harris Fellows, demonstrating their dedication to the organization's values and mission.

Tiger Solanki's leadership, commitment, and family's involvement in Rotary International showcase a strong passion for service and community engagement.

Tiger Solanki's initiative, "Engeen's," an adventure camp, left a lasting impact on the country's youth. As Community Service Director in the 2000 series, he successfully organized this project.

Key Achievements: - Conceptualized and executed "Engeen's," a pioneering adventure camp

- Utilized exceptional communication skills to attract a large number of youngsters nationwide to adventure sports

- Fostered a sense of community and teamwork among participants

- Contributed significantly to promoting adventure sports and outdoor activities among Indian youth

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam with Tiger Solanki

DSD Solanki, fondly known as Tiger Solanki, is a true pioneer in the adventure world. His brainchild, HOPE-2006, was a groundbreaking project that brought together visually challenged, tribal, speech, and hearing-impaired individuals for a Himalayan expedition to Yankar Pass in Himachal Pradesh ¹.

This remarkable endeavor was flagged off by His Excellency Shri T.N Chaturvedi, the then Governor of Karnataka. What's more, when His Excellency Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam learned about the project, he invited the team to Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he spoke with the organizers and wished the team well by signing the expedition flag and the trekkers' caps.

Tiger Solanki's contributions to adventure sports and empowerment of marginalized communities are truly inspiring. His leadership and vision have paved the way for numerous initiatives, including the Tiger Adventure Foundation, which he founded in 2013

H E Shri Hansraj Bhardwaj, 

Governor of Karnataka

Tiger Solanki's commitment to empowering socially deprived youths is truly inspiring. In 2010, he led the Dreams-2010 program, a pioneering Himalayan expedition to Kuari Pass in Uttarakhand, specifically designed for orphaned youths from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. This remarkable initiative was flagged off by His Excellency Shri Hansraj Bhardwaj, the then Governor of Karnataka, and received well wishes from Shri Sachin Pilot, the youngest Cabinet Minister of the UPA government.

What's even more impressive is that Tiger Solanki has taken over 1,500 youths on various expeditions across the Himalayan ranges in Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir over the past two decades. His dedication to providing opportunities for disadvantaged youths to explore and develop their potential is a testament to his vision and leadership.

Tiger Solanki's passion for adventure and community service is truly inspiring. In 2007, he embarked on a thrilling mountain biking expedition from Leh to Lamayuru, celebrating 60 years of India's independence. Two years later, in 2009, he participated in the "Height of Adventure" expedition, pedaling from Kullu to South Pullu.

His remarkable achievements didn't go unnoticed. His Excellency Shri Hans Raj Bhardwaj, the Governor of Karnataka, took notice of his expeditions and invited him to share his experiences. Tiger Solanki's feats even earned a mention in the prestigious Limca Book of Records in 2011.

In 2013, Tiger Solanki organized a unique Himalayan expedition, selecting 24 youths from the Nagarahole and Bandipur forest ranges. This pioneering expedition was flagged off by His Excellency Shri Hans Raj Bhardwaj and received well wishes from Shri Omprakash IPS, Director General of Police, Karnataka. Notably, this expedition was the first of its kind in south India.

The 2016 mountaineering expedition to Mt. Friendship Peak in Himachal Pradesh was a groundbreaking event, specifically designed for housewives and students from Karnataka. This pioneering expedition was flagged off by His Excellency Prof. Kaptan Singh Solanki, the Governor of Haryana, Punjab, and Administrator of Chandigarh.
This unique initiative showcased Tiger Solanki's commitment to promoting adventure sports and empowerment among women and youth. The expedition's focus on housewives and students from Karnataka highlighted the importance of inclusivity and diversity in outdoor activities.

Tiger Solanki's achievement is truly remarkable. He successfully led a group of housewives and youths with no prior adventure experience to the summit of Mt. Friendship Peak, which stands at an impressive 17,500 feet. This feat is all the more impressive considering that the peak is typically attempted by seasoned mountaineers as part of their basic or advanced mountaineering courses .

What's even more inspiring is that Tiger Solanki was able to help 15 members of the team reach the summit, a testament to his leadership and guidance. The team's achievement caught the attention of His Excellency Shri Vajubhai Vala, the Governor of Karnataka, who invited them to the Raj Bhavan to congratulate and honor them for their incredible feat.

The Friendship Peak expedition is considered a challenging trek, requiring prior experience in high-altitude trekking. The climb involves navigating steep rocky slopes, narrow ridges, and a glacier, making it a physically demanding trek that tests a trekker's endurance, stamina, and strength 

Tiger Solanki's commitment to empowering underprivileged individuals is truly inspiring. In 2017, he led an exclusive batch of 15 young speech and hearing-impaired individuals to the Himalayas, which was flagged off by His Excellency Shri Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala, Governor of Karnataka, and greeted by His Excellency Prof Kaptan Singh Solanki, Governor of Haryana

Tiger Solanki's passion for aero sports and adventure activities is contagious. He has introduced various aero sports and adventure activities to marginalized communities, including:

Aero Sports and Adventure Activities Introduced

1. Para Sailing: Introduced to orphans, deaf and dumb, mentally challenged, and visually challenged individuals.

2. Rock Climbing: Promoting physical and mental challenge.

3. Country Rafting: Encouraging teamwork and water sports.

4. Archery: Fostering focus, discipline, and precision.

5. Cyclothon: Promoting cycling as a fun and healthy activity.

6. Sky Diving: Offering an exhilarating experience for the adventurous.

7. Mountaineering: Building resilience and teamwork through high-altitude expeditions.

8. Scuba Diving: Exploring the underwater world and promoting marine conservation.

Tiger Solanki's initiatives have empowered countless individuals, helping them build confidence, develop new skills, and experience the thrill of adventure sports.

Tiger Solanki's introduction of archery for the visually challenged in Karnataka has been a resounding success. What began as an entertaining activity in a 2005 expedition in Himachal Pradesh has evolved into a highly sought-after sport in Karnataka, especially among girls.

Key Highlights

- Inception: Archery was introduced as an entertaining activity in a 2005 expedition in Himachal Pradesh.

- Growth: The activity gained popularity and has been flourishing in Karnataka for almost 18 years.

- Inclusivity: Archery has been experienced by various groups, including the visually challenged, speech and hearing impaired, and others.

- Empowerment: The sport has empowered many, especially girls, promoting confidence, focus, and self-reliance.

Tiger Solanki's efforts have not only promoted archery but have also contributed to the empowerment and inclusion of marginalized communities in Karnataka.

Daughter and Father Duo at the Everest Base camp in 2017

Tiger Solanki's commitment to sharing his passion for adventure with the next generation is truly inspiring. In 2017, he took his 13-year-old daughter, Riya Solanki, on an incredible journey to the Everest Base Camp.

A Record-Breaking Achievement:Riya Solanki became the youngest person from Karnataka to reach the Everest Base Camp, showcasing her determination and resilience.

A Family's Love for Adventure: Tiger Solanki's decision to share this experience with his daughter highlights the importance of family bonding and introducing the next generation to the thrill of adventure.

A Role Model for Young Minds: Riya Solanki's achievement serves as a powerful inspiration for young minds, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, they can push beyond their limits and achieve greatness.

Tiger Solanki has had an incredibly impactful career, training over 6,000 uniformed personnel since 2008. His training programs have benefited a wide range of officers, from Deputy Superintendents of Police and Excise to Chief Inspectors of Maldives, Pondicherry police officers, and even police sub-inspectors and constables .

What's even more impressive is that he has consistently trained police officers from the rank of Constable to DY SP's of the Karnataka State for almost 15 years. His dedication to enhancing the skills and abilities of these officers is truly commendable.

Through his work, Tiger Solanki has not only contributed to the development of law enforcement personnel but has also promoted adventure sports and empowerment among underprivileged communities. His initiatives, such as the Tiger Adventure Foundation, have made a significant impact on the lives of many individuals

Tiger Solanki's experience and leadership skills have been invaluable to various organizations, including the Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI), New Delhi. He has held key positions in numerous expeditions and programs in the Himalayan Ranges, specifically in Uttarakhand (UK) and Himachal Pradesh (HP).

Key Roles and Responsibilities

1. Camp Leader: Led camps and ensured the safety and well-being of participants.

2. Co-Director: Assisted in planning and executing programs, ensuring their success.

3. Field Director: Oversaw on-site operations, making crucial decisions to guarantee smooth program execution.

Notable Affiliations

1. Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI), New Delhi: Collaborated on various programs and expeditions.

2. Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, Govt. of India, New Delhi: Worked under their patronage, contributing to the development of youth and adventure sports.

Tiger Solanki's expertise and commitment to adventure sports have made him a respected figure in the industry.

Tiger Solanki's passion for adventure sports led him to participate in the Static Line Solo Skydiving Course, organized by the Indian Parachute Federation and Aero Club of India, New Delhi, in various locations including Palampur, Gujarat, and Pondicherry.

Skydiving Achievements

1. Successful Solo Jumps: Completed solo skydiving jumps, demonstrating his skill and courage.

2. Introduction of Skydiving in Mysore: Pioneered skydiving in Mysore, making it a popular destination for adventure seekers.

3. Promoting Skydiving in Mysore: Ensured that locals and tourists could experience skydiving, contributing to the city's reputation as a hub for adventure sports.

Tiger Solanki's contributions to promoting skydiving and other adventure sports have been instrumental in putting Mysore on the map as a premier destination for thrill-seekers.

Tiger Solanki's dedication to adventure sports and community service has earned him numerous awards and felicitations:

Awards

1. Rotary Datta Teachers Award: Recognized for his exceptional training and mentorship of youths in adventurous sports.

Felicitations

1. Bankers Recreation Club (2006): Honored for his adventurous feats and contributions to the community.

2. Rotaract Club of Mysore South East: Recognized for his social service and commitment to empowering marginalized communities.

3. Youth Hostel Association of India, Palampur Branch, Gujarat (2011): Felicitated for his courage and achievement in completing the Static Line Solo Skydiving course.

4. Karnataka Police Academy: Honored for his exemplary services to the Police Department, training probationers for 14 years.

These awards and felicitations are a testament to Tiger Solanki's tireless efforts to promote adventure sports, empower communities, and serve the nation.

Tiger Solanki's Nari Shakti-2018 program was a groundbreaking initiative that empowered women to push beyond their limits. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to empower women, Solanki led a team of 26 women, dubbed SPECIAL-26, to Mt. Baraadsar Pass in Uttarakhand, which stands at an impressive 15,000 feet ¹.

This trek was part of a larger program that aimed to promote women's empowerment and adventure sports. The program was open to females aged 13-65, and it included a trek to Baraadsar Lake, which is situated at an altitude of 14,500 feet ¹.

Solanki's efforts to promote women's empowerment and adventure sports have been widely recognized. His initiative, Nari Shakti-2018, was a testament to his commitment to empowering women and promoting inclusive development.

Tiger Solanki's innovative approach to training has revolutionized the way Gazetted officers in Karnataka are prepared for their roles. He designed a unique training module that combines wilderness exposure with hands-on experience in activities like:

Training Module Highlights

1. Bouldering: Building physical strength, agility, and problem-solving skills.

2. Archery: Fostering focus, concentration, and mental discipline.

Impact and Reach

1. Trained over 1000 officers: In just four years, Tiger Solanki's training module has benefited a significant number of Gazetted officers in Karnataka.

2. Enhanced officer development: By exposing probationers to wilderness and adventure activities, Tiger Solanki's training module helps build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills.

Tiger Solanki's innovative training approach has set a new standard for administrative training in Karnataka, empowering officers to tackle challenges with greater resilience and effectiveness.

Tiger Solanki's contribution to Skill India is a remarkable achievement. He trained the inaugural batch of 24 young officers from the Indian Skill Development Officers of the Government of India in:

Key Skills and Activities

1. Wilderness Survival: Equipping officers with essential skills to navigate challenging environments.

2. Rock Climbing: Building physical strength, mental toughness, and teamwork abilities.

3. Summit Concept: Instilling a sense of achievement and goal-oriented mindset.

4. Archery: Fostering focus, concentration, and mental discipline.

Impact and Significance

1. Pioneering Initiative: Tiger Solanki's training program was the first of its kind for Indian Skill Development Officers.

2. Empowering Young Officers: By imparting valuable skills and experiences, Tiger Solanki's program has empowered young officers to drive India's skill development initiatives.

This achievement showcases Tiger Solanki's expertise in designing and delivering impactful training programs that cater to the unique needs of various organizations and initiatives

ASHA-2019 is a groundbreaking initiative that aims to empower tribal girls to reach new heights, literally! Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to promote women's empowerment, ASHA-2019 is part of the larger BETI BACHAO AND BETI PADHAO initiative .

The program specifically targets tribal girls from Bandipur and Nagarahole, providing them with an opportunity to participate in an exclusive Himalayan expedition. This initiative not only promotes adventure sports but also instills confidence and self-reliance in these young girls, helping them overcome societal barriers and achieve their dreams .

By supporting ASHA-2019, we can help create a brighter future for these talented young girls and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

The ASHA-2019 initiative made history in Karnataka by organizing an exclusive Himalayan expedition for tribal girls from Bandipur and Nagarahole. This pioneering effort empowered these young girls to push beyond their limits and achieve greatness.

Key Highlights

1. First-of-its-kind expedition: The first exclusive Himalayan expedition for tribal girls in Karnataka's history.

2. Tribal girls' participation: Girls from Bandipur and Nagarahole ranges participated in this groundbreaking initiative.

3. Mt. Saurkundi Pass Summit: The tribal girls successfully summitted Mt. Saurkundi Pass, showcasing their determination and resilience.

This achievement showcases Tiger Solanki's commitment to empowering marginalized communities, especially women, through adventure sports and outdoor education.

Celebrating 35 Years of Adventure : 

Tiger Solanki celebrated his best on Mt Uhru peak in 2022 by successfully climbing the peak in Kilimanjaro range in Tanzania along with six of his colleagues.

It is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest single free-standing mountain above sea level in the world: 5,895 metres (19,341 ft) above sea level.

Vision-2023: It is a Vision document to be written in golden letters by the TIGER ADVENTURE FOUNDATION as they are all set to lead an exclusive expedition in Himalayas for the Health sector for the most impressive class which nurses the wounds of the people with humane touch. 

 It is being said, that this angels in the health sector who serve the community with utmost devotion. In other words, I recall the angel “Lady with the Lamp” Florence nightingale who served the wounded soldier in the Crimean war with passion. 

At the summit of Rumtu Pass in HP 

The expedition was held between May 05-16, 2023 and the team ascended on May 12, 2023 it was a historic day where fifteen nurses of the Karnataka state celebrated the “INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY” in the Himalayan Range at a height of 15,000feet in UTTARAKHAND. It would be pertinent to mention that this expedition was  first of its kind that has ever been organized for the benefit of Female Nurses, in the adventure-history of India. 

He is heading the Accounts division of the solanki group who are into Non Banking Finance sector for more than 6 decades. He is working there since 1993. He is married to Mrs Santosh Kanwar a dental surgeon and Associate Professor in Oral Medicine and Radiology at Farooqia College of dental science and the couple are blessed with four children:  

Daughter Riya Solanki dojng her under graduation @ JCE, son Yasharth Solanki who is in Karunamayi Special School, Mysore and twins in kindergarden @ Pushkarni School

He strongly follows swami Vivekananda saying “Awake, Arise, stop not till the goal is reached”.

He is the man who doesn’t believe in taking any awards and felicitations, 

he says

“कर्म करो फल की चिंता मत करो”

Here is the man who imbibes the spirit of adventure in the youth and he is “THE ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT OF MYSORE city”.