Making the MOE: Sandesh Kadur’s Suzuki and a Case for Doing What You Love

There’s no better example of this than National Geographic Explorer Sandesh Kadur's refurbished Suzuki, "Gypsu," now exclusively featured in the National Geographic Museum of Exploration (MOE).

Say hello to Sandesh — a filmmaker, photographer and author who uses photography and films to tell award-winning stories of wildlife, raising awareness for threatened species and inspiring action to protect habitats around the world.

He shows both people and animals through his lens to teach us how we can coexist and inspire us to fall in love with nature, from the grumpy-faced Pallas’s cat to elusive clouded leopards.

But long before he was a National Geographic Explorer, he was a young kid in Bengaluru (Bangalore), India, spending time in the wilderness with animals and reptiles and enjoying biking and car rallies. This was his spark moment — he fell in love with wildlife storytelling, and from there, he has helped others find their inspiration through his storytelling.

Turning the Suzuki into "Gypsu"

If you walked past this rugged Suzuki out in the field, you might just see a vehicle. But, in the heart of the museum, you’ll be looking at a testament to staying curious and pursuing our passions. We chatted with Sandesh to ask how this legendary vehicle came to be.

What inspired you to refurbish your Suzuki?

"When I first started using Gypsu, it was clear that it needed a few modifications to make it even more field-ready," Sandesh explained. "First off, Gypsu was white — not great for the field. So, we fixed that by giving her a deep coat of forest green to blend in with the surroundings."

But, the modifications weren't just cosmetic. To capture world-class footage, Sandesh turned Gypsu into a stylish ride, converting it into a “Suzuki 4x4 convertible.”

"We raised the back tarp, allowing me to stand in the back and track through the dense jungles. The tarp had to be removable — it could be folded and put on the front cabin, which also had a grill for a spare tire, water, food and other accessories needed to survive in the field. We even added a slider in the back for the camera to film on either side, and the windshield can be dropped to allow us to film straight ahead. All in all, a lot of mini and micro-modifications were made to take the robust little Suzuki into the most arduous terrain."

Navigating the Impossible

Gypsu is a piece of history — it represents the grit and patience required to get the shot that connects us to the wonder of our world.

What is the most “impossible” situation you and Gypsu navigated together?

"Navigating around elephants and quietly tracking tigers," Sandesh says, "but more than anything, some of the landscapes in the Western Ghats have been particularly tough to navigate — especially the monsoon jungles. During the heavy rains, we’ve had stream crossings where the river swells and water enters the cabin. But, in the true nature of a capable off-roader, Gypsu keeps trudging along, even when roads turn into rivers."

A New Expedition: The Museum of Exploration

In Rolex Explorers Landing within the MOE, Gypsu is living proof that loving what we do and embracing exploration has the power to change the world. For Sandesh, seeing his vehicle in the museum is a full-circle moment.

"It’s a great honor for me and our whole team. It was time for her retirement, and what better place for Gypsu to call home than the National Geographic Museum of Exploration? This vehicle is a portal into a world of adventure, travel and imagination. I can’t wait to see the reaction of children and adults when they experience her presence."

Unlock Your Inner Explorer

If someone wanted to start exploring more in their daily life, what would you recommend?

"Exploration starts at home," Sandesh advises. "I would stare for hours at maps, studying topography before I ever visited a place. Never stop your imagination — let it wander and explore. Research is also critical to be able to experience the full depth of a place. That said, I’ve also gone with no research and no expectations and had an incredible time."

As Sandesh says, “There’s no fixed method to being an explorer or exploring — just get out there! In the wise words of Rumi, ‘The path will reveal itself!’”

So, remember, we’re not defined by “what we used to love” — pick up your old passions, or discover a new one starting now. Exploring the wonder of the world is for everyone — yes, you.

Come See Gypsu for Yourself

We can’t wait for you to see this legendary vehicle in person this summer at the Museum of Exploration. You’ll see the wear and tear of real expeditions — and, who knows, maybe you’ll feel that same "spark" of inspiration that led a young boy to become synonymous with wildlife filmmaking.

As a teenager, Sandesh fell in love with this quote from Baba Dioum that says, “In the end, we will conserve only what we love. We love only what we understand. We understand only what we are taught.”

When you see Gypsu at the MOE, we hope you'll fall in love with the wonder of our world just as he did.