The nation mourns the loss of Padma Shri Tulsi Gowda, an iconic environmentalist affectionately known as the “Encyclopedia of the Forest” and revered by her Halakki tribal community as the “Tree Goddess.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes, expressing deep condolences and highlighting her inspiring contributions to environmental conservation. Tulsi Gowda’s demise marks the end of a remarkable journey that intertwined humanity and nature, but her legacy continues to inspire countless generations to nurture the planet.
In his post on X, the Prime Minister wrote, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Smt Tulsi Gowda Ji, a revered environmentalist from Karnataka and Padma Awardee. She dedicated her life to nurturing nature, planting thousands of saplings, and conserving our environment. She will remain a guiding light for environmental conservation. Her work will continue to inspire generations to protect our planet. Condolences to her family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಪರಿಸರವಾದಿ ಮತ್ತು ಪದ್ಮ ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿ ಪುರಸ್ಕೃತರಾದ ಶ್ರೀಮತಿ ತುಳಸಿ ಗೌಡ ಅವರ ನಿಧನ ತೀವ್ರ ದುಃಖ ತಂದಿದೆ. ಅವರು ತಮ್ಮ ಇಡೀ ಬದುಕನ್ನು ಪ್ರಕೃತಿ ಪೋಷಣೆಗಾಗಿ ಮುಡಿಪಾಗಿಟ್ಟು, ಸಾವಿರಾರು ಗಿಡಗಳನ್ನು ನೆಟ್ಟು ಬೆಳೆಸಿ ನಮ್ಮ ಪರಿಸರವನ್ನು ಸಂರಕ್ಷಿಸಿದವರು. ಪರಿಸರ ರಕ್ಷಣೆಗೆ ಸದಾ ಮಾರ್ಗದರ್ಶನ ನೀಡುವ ಬೆಳಕಾಗಿ ಅವರು ಉಳಿಯುತ್ತಾರೆ.… pic.twitter.com/b5cECGYw4f
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 17, 2024
Tulsi Gowda was born in 1944 into the modest Halakki tribal community in Karnataka. Her childhood was marked by struggles, including losing her father at the tender age of two. Despite these adversities and a lack of formal education, Tulsi’s profound connection to nature and self-taught knowledge of botany set her apart. From a young age, she worked alongside her mother as a day laborer, tending to the forests of Karnataka.
The Halakki Vokkaliga tribal traditions, rooted in matriarchal principles and deep respect for nature, profoundly shaped Tulsi Gowda’s worldview. Her ability to identify the “mother trees” of various species—trees crucial for their age, size, and interconnected underground network of nodes that transfer life-sustaining nutrients to saplings—earned her the title “Tree Goddess.”
Her expertise in seed collection and her mastery in extracting seeds from these mother trees allowed her to regenerate and regrow plant species across Karnataka’s forests. These efforts not only rejuvenated ecosystems but also fortified community reserves, tiger reserves, conservation areas, and wildlife sanctuaries.
Tulsi Gowda joined the Karnataka Forest Department at the age of 35 as a permanent staff member, a recognition of her significant contributions to afforestation as a laborer. Over a career spanning more than six decades, she planted and nurtured an estimated 100,000 trees, revitalising vast stretches of degraded land across Karnataka.
Her efforts went beyond merely planting trees. By leveraging her expertise in seed collection and preservation, Tulsi revived several endangered plant species. Her work helped strengthen ecosystems within one community reserve, five tiger reserves, fifteen conservation reserves, and thirty wildlife sanctuaries across Karnataka.
Tulsi Gowda’s contributions were instrumental in preventing forest fires, curbing illegal poaching, and restoring wildlife habitats. By combining traditional tribal knowledge with modern conservation practices, she inspired the Karnataka Forest Department to adopt sustainable strategies that benefited both nature and local communities. Her efforts also provided sustainable livelihoods and educational opportunities for tribal and rural populations, proving that environmental conservation and community welfare could go hand in hand.
Known as the “Encyclopedia of the Forest,” Tulsi Gowda possessed unparalleled knowledge of diverse plant species, their medicinal properties, and their role in sustaining the ecosystem. Her ability to identify and extract seeds from mother trees was crucial to her success in regenerating forests. She viewed each tree as a living entity, deserving of care and respect, and instilled this belief in those around her.
Her tribal wisdom emphasised a holistic approach to conservation. By respecting the interconnectedness of all living things, she demonstrated how traditional ecological practices could address contemporary environmental challenges.
Despite her humble background, Tulsi Gowda’s work gained national and international recognition. In 2021, she was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, by then-President Ram Nath Kovind. The image of Tulsi Gowda—barefoot, clad in a simple saree—accepting the award became a powerful symbol of grassroots environmentalism.
Additionally, Dharwad Agricultural University conferred upon her an honorary doctorate for her unparalleled contributions to environmental preservation. She was also a recipient of the prestigious Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra award and numerous accolades throughout her lifetime.
Tulsi Gowda’s work was more than an environmental effort; it was a philosophy rooted in love and reverence for nature. Her understanding of human behavior, community needs, and environmental sustainability created a ripple effect that inspired others to join the green movement.
