Our Team
Bevra Trout Hatchery was founded out of a deep love for the Assi Ganga Valley—its rivers, its trout, its people, and its culture. What began as love has grown into a lasting passion: to preserve and sustain the trout population of the Assi Ganga. There have been countless hands in the forming of Bevra Trout Hatchery’s progression. Though all deserve credit, four individuals have been at the core since the very beginning and still lead the mission today.
Peyton McDonald
Born into a family of avid fly fishermen, Peyton McDonald took every opportunity to fish. After traveling to India for the first time during his freshman year of high school on a Christ Church School trip led by Aaron Alter, Peyton became infatuated with India and the Assi Ganga Valley in its entirety.
Though Peyton fell in love with the place, he left without catching one of the trip’s great promises—the Assi Ganga brown trout—whose population had been devastated by catastrophic floods just five years earlier. After returning home, conversations between Peyton, Suman, Praveen, and Aaron sparked an ambitious idea: to build a restorative trout hatchery in the valley.
Since then, Peyton has traveled back to India five times, leading Bevra Trout Hatchery’s mission, fundraising efforts, and collaborating with the team toward the first restocking of brown trout in the Assi Ganga. Peyton is currently a Junior Environmental History major at Sewanee: The University of the South, where he is researching the introduction of brown trout in the Himalayas while continuing to help guide Bevra Trout Hatchery forward.
Suman Panwar
Born and raised in the Assi Ganga Valley, Suman Panwar has always been known for his curiosity, intelligence, and adventurous spirit. From an early age, he explored the forests surrounding his village, mastered English, and displayed a constant hunger for learning.
In (year), Suman met Aaron Alter, a fly-fishing guide who had stumbled upon Agora while leading clients along the Assi Ganga River. For Suman that meeting quickly developed a fascination with fly-fishing and the brown trout native to his home waters. He began assisting Aaron with guiding trips, which eventually led him to assist in trips and educational programs in the valley.
After the devastating floods, Suman shared the same desire as Peyton, Praveen, and Aaron to restore the brown trout population. Taking a lead role in local operations, Suman was instrumental in designing and constructing the hatchery itself. Today, he continues to oversee on-the-ground work for Bevra Trout Hatchery while also guiding trekking and angling expeditions and managing his own homestay in the valley.
Praveen Rawat
Praveen also known as “Panna” has spent his entire life in the Assi Ganga Valley. From a young age, he was recognized for his brightness, energy, and entrepreneurial spirit—always seeking to do more, learn more, and explore more. As a child, he helped his family run a small shop in Agora village, proudly managing the community’s only telephone line.
Praveen, Suman’s nephew, was soon introduced to Aaron Alter and became fascinated by the potential of combining local knowledge, natural beauty, and sustainable tourism. His drive and creativity have been instrumental in shaping Bevra Trout Hatchery into what it is today. Alongside helping to found the hatchery, Praveen has built a successful homestay and trekking business that offers visitors a one-of-a-kind experience of the Assi Ganga’s landscapes and culture. He continues to develop innovative ways—both locally and digitally—to share the valley’s story with the world.
Praveen’s entrepreneurial vision and commitment to sustainability remain central to Bevra Trout Hatchery’s continued growth and future success.
Aaron Alter
Praveen also known as “Panna” has spent his entire life in the Assi Ganga Valley. From a young age, he was recognized for his brightness, energy, and entrepreneurial spirit—always seeking to do more, learn more, and explore more. As a child, he helped his family run a small shop in Agora village, proudly managing the community’s only telephone line.
Praveen, Suman’s nephew, was soon introduced to Aaron Alter and became fascinated by the potential of combining local knowledge, natural beauty, and sustainable tourism. His drive and creativity have been instrumental in shaping Bevra Trout Hatchery into what it is today. Alongside helping to found the hatchery, Praveen has built a successful homestay and trekking business that offers visitors a one-of-a-kind experience of the Assi Ganga’s landscapes and culture. He continues to develop innovative ways—both locally and digitally—to share the valley’s story with the world.
Praveen’s entrepreneurial vision and commitment to sustainability remain central to Bevra Trout Hatchery’s continued growth and future success.