Tulasi Gowda, the legendary environmentalist and Padma Shri awardee from Karnataka, passed away on Monday evening at her residence in Honnali village, Ankola Taluk, Uttara Kannada district. She was 86 years old. Known as the “Encyclopaedia of Plants” and revered for her unmatched contributions to forest conservation, Tulasi’s death marks the loss of a revered figure who dedicated her life to nurturing nature.
Her passing has left a void in the hearts of many environmentalists and members of the Halakki tribal community, but her legacy will live on in the forests she tended to for over six decades.
A Humble Beginning
Born into a poor Halakki tribal family in Uttara Kannada, Tulasi Gowda’s journey to becoming one of the most respected environmentalists in India was anything but easy. Losing her father at the age of two, she grew up in an environment that demanded hard work and resilience. Her mother, a daily laborer, worked at a local nursery, and Tulasi accompanied her, learning the ways of the forest from an early age. Although she had no formal education, her deep connection with nature and a strong desire to help her community guided her path.
Tulasi’s childhood visits to nurseries sparked a lifelong interest in plants. As a young woman, she began working at the Karnataka Forest Department’s nursery, where her natural talent for nurturing saplings became apparent. What began as a job to support her family soon blossomed into a lifelong passion for forest conservation.
The Magic of Her Hands
Tulasi’s unparalleled skill in growing and nurturing saplings earned her a reputation that transcended the confines of her village. She became known for the “magic” in her hands—an ability to nurture saplings into thriving trees. Environmentalists, such as retired forest officer A.N. Yellappa Reddy, fondly recalled her unique approach to planting. “She had a magic touch with saplings. The trees she planted showed significantly better growth compared to others,” he remarked.
Tulasi’s expertise extended to seed collection, particularly from mother trees—the vital, older trees that serve as the central nodes of forest ecosystems. Her ability to collect seeds at the peak of their germination ensured the survival and growth of countless species. Tulasi’s knowledge of the forest was so deep that she could identify a mother tree of any species, regardless of its location.
Her work went beyond planting trees. She was also a fierce protector of the forests, working to prevent poaching and forest fires. Her dedication helped preserve the rich biodiversity of Karnataka, a state known for its dense forests and wildlife sanctuaries.
Recognition and Legacy
Tulasi’s efforts did not go unnoticed. In 1986, she received the Indira Priyadarshini VrikshaMitra Award for her contributions to afforestation. In 1999, she was honored with the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, a significant recognition for citizens over sixty. But it was the Padma Shri award in 2020 that brought national attention to her work. Despite the accolades, Tulasi remained humble, often saying that the true reward was in watching the forests thrive.
Her expertise was not confined to scientific knowledge alone; she also passed on her wisdom to the younger generation. Even after her retirement from the Karnataka Forest Department at the age of 70, Tulasi continued to teach the children of her village about the importance of trees and how to care for them. She also advocated for women’s rights, becoming a vocal defender of women in her community, even confronting injustice when it arose.
Her work and teachings have left an indelible mark, especially within the Halakki community, which considers her a treasure trove of knowledge. Her understanding of medicinal plants, with over 300 identified species, has benefited her village immensely.
A Lasting Impact
Even in her later years, as she battled health issues, Tulasi’s commitment to the environment never wavered. Despite suffering a stroke and becoming bedridden in her final months, she remained an integral part of her community, teaching young people about the importance of caring for saplings and nurturing the forests around them. Her life was a model of how one individual’s passion and dedication could have a profound and lasting impact on both nature and society.
Her passing is not just the loss of a revered environmentalist; it is a reminder of the importance of conserving nature, passing on traditional knowledge, and empowering communities to care for their own land. Tulasi’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations to protect the planet, just as she did throughout her remarkable life.
