In the 1970s, Satish Bhaskar, with limited resources and support, embarked on an extraordinary solo mission along India’s 7,516 km coastline to study and identify sea turtle habitats. Armed with only a small transistor and scant information, Bhaskar’s pioneering work laid the foundation for India’s sea turtle conservation efforts.

His journey, characterized by solitude and determination, involved walking along remote beaches, mapping the ancient nesting sites of sea turtles, and spending months on uninhabited islands to observe these endangered species. His commitment to this cause was unparalleled, and he authored nearly 50 reports and papers over his career.

Bhaskar's remarkable odyssey is the subject of Turtle Walker, a documentary directed by Taira Malaney. Produced by Emaho Films, the film captures Bhaskar’s devotion to nature and his solitary pursuit of understanding sea turtles. It’s not just a nature film but a meditation on the passion and dedication that drove Bhaskar to spend months on isolated islands, often alone, in pursuit of knowledge.

Bhaskar’s impact extended far beyond his own research, inspiring ongoing conservation efforts. Turtle Walker also serves as a living document of Bhaskar's legacy, highlighting the challenges of modern conservation, such as antibiotic resistance in marine life.

Malaney’s film not only preserves Bhaskar’s memory but also reflects the current efforts to continue his work, including the Marine Mammal and Megafauna Stranding Network in Goa, which echoes Bhaskar’s spirit of hands-on conservation. Bhaskar’s solitary dedication continues to inspire marine conservation worldwide, showing how one person’s devotion can create ripples of change.