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Discover Raghunathan Thilakar’s journey from childhood trekking enthusiast to Mountain Sports Leader at Decathlon Salt Lake. Learn how he turned his love for travel into a rewarding career, helping others explore the outdoors.
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Raghunathan Thilakar, known fondly as Raghu, has been passionate about trekking and the outdoors from a young age. His love for adventure was sparked by childhood days spent watching Discovery Channel India and National Geographic Channel, which showcased remote destinations and thrilling expeditions. Inspired to explore, Raghu started trekking during his school days, setting him on a lifelong path of travel and outdoor exploration.
After completing his education, Raghu began his career at a marketing agency as a Digital Marketing Executive. However, the confines of a desk job didn’t align with his active lifestyle, and after four years, he decided to leave the corporate world. “I needed a change,” Raghu shares, “so I left my job intending to take a short break.” That short break turned into two years of travel, where he freelanced for trekking and hiking organizations, combining his love for the outdoors with his skills in digital marketing. This period not only allowed him to expand his outdoor skills but also cemented his passion for sharing the joys of trekking with others.
Raghu’s journey with Decathlon began in 2018 with an unexpected opportunity. A friend introduced him to Decathlon, and he approached Decathlon Chennai with a collaboration idea for a trekking trip. Impressed by his experience and passion, Decathlon invited him to join the company. Raghu joined Decathlon in March 2018 in Tamil Nadu, marking the start of an exciting new chapter.
In 2021, he transferred to Decathlon Salt Lake, Kolkata, where he now serves as a Mountain Sports Omni Sport Leader. For Raghu, Decathlon has been a perfect match. “What I enjoy most about working at Decathlon is helping customers prepare for their travels,” he says. “When someone comes up and asks for advice about preparing for a journey, I feel like I’m sharing their excitement and joy.”
Raghu's role at Decathlon isn’t limited to customer interaction; he is also a certified Product Trainer. This role allows him to stay at the forefront of Decathlon’s latest product innovations and helps him understand how these items can enhance trekking and camping experiences. “I love seeing new products that we launch. Learning about them helps me show customers how they can make their treks and hikes more enjoyable,” Raghu explains.
From high-performance trekking boots to innovative tent designs, Raghu’s knowledge of Decathlon products makes him a valuable resource for customers who want to be well-prepared for their adventures.
Raghu believes that there’s much more to trekking and camping than meets the eye. He emphasizes that seemingly simple tasks, like pitching a tent, require specific skills to ensure safety and comfort. “Pitching a tent sounds simple, but it’s a technical skill that’s crucial when you’re out in the wild. Where and how you pitch a tent matters, and it’s important to know how to handle such equipment properly,” he advises.
Now based in Salt Lake, Raghu eagerly shares his expertise with Decathlon customers, helping them explore the great outdoors confidently. Whether it’s selecting the right gear or learning basic survival techniques, Raghu is always ready to assist and inspire.
From his early days as a curious schoolboy to his current role as a Mountain Sports Leader at Decathlon, Raghu’s journey reflects a deep-rooted passion for the outdoors and a commitment to helping others embark on their own adventures. For those looking to embrace trekking, Raghu’s story serves as a reminder that a love for travel can open doors to new opportunities and fulfilling careers.
For anyone in Salt Lake or nearby, a visit to Decathlon means not just purchasing equipment but gaining valuable insights from Raghu, a seasoned trekking enthusiast who’s eager to share his love for the wild. As Raghu says, “Come join me to explore the great outdoors!”
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