Environmental Icon Tulsi Gowda, Padma Shri Awardee, Dies at 86

Mangaluru: Padma Shri awardee Tulsi Gowda (86), renowned as the "Encyclopedia of Forest," passed away on Monday evening at her residence in Honalli village, Ankola taluk, Uttara Kannada district. She had been suffering from age-related ailments.

Famed for her tireless efforts in planting and nurturing trees, Tulsi Gowda dedicated her life to environmental conservation. Despite facing extreme poverty, she spearheaded a green revolution with an unwavering commitment to nature.

A member of the Halakki tribal community, Tulsi Gowda was celebrated for her vast knowledge of diverse plant and herb species, earning her the moniker "Encyclopedia of Forest."

Her remarkable contributions to environmental preservation earned her the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2020, which she received from then-President Ram Nath Kovind. The barefoot environmentalist captured the nation’s attention during the award ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Tulsi Gowda is survived by her two children, Subray and Soni. Her passing marks the end of a life deeply committed to nature and environmental stewardship.

“Tulsi Gowda was born into a poor family. At a very young age, she accompanied her mother, who worked as a day laborer at a local nursery. Their work involved sprouting seeds, which ignited Tulsi’s love for nature and saplings,” said environmentalist Dinesh Holla, who worked closely with her, speaking to Deccan Chronicle.

“As an employee at the nursery, her love for the environment deepened. She began nurturing saplings herself and started planting them in various places. When I once asked her how many trees she had grown, she told me that what matters is not the number of saplings planted, but the care and attention given to each one. This showed her dedication,” Holla recollected.

“She possessed incredible knowledge about plants—their growth patterns, ideal soils, medicinal properties, and uses. However, much of her knowledge remained unknown to the outside world. While her work was celebrated locally, the broader world only recognized her contributions after she received the Padma Shri in 2020,” Holla said.

Known as Vrikshamata (Mother of Trees), Tulsi Gowda's vast knowledge and dedication to the environment made her an unparalleled guardian of the forests.