Legendary Tree Planter and Padma Awardee Tulsi Gowda Passes Away at 86

GG News Bureau
Ankola, 17th Dec. Tulsi Gowda, an iconic environmentalist and Padma Shri awardee, 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,” Tulsi Gowda dedicated her life to afforestation and nurturing saplings. She began working with the Karnataka forest department at a young age, developing an unmatched expertise in growing trees. She planted thousands of saplings, many of which have transformed into towering trees across Ankola and nearby regions.

A member of the Halakki community, Gowda received several accolades for her contributions, including the prestigious Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra award. Despite retiring, she was granted special staff status by the forest department, enabling her to continue her invaluable work.

Prominent figures mourned her loss, highlighting her profound knowledge and unique skills. A.N. Yellappa Reddy, a retired forest officer, described her as having “magic in her hands” for growing trees, noting the exceptional growth of her saplings. Environmentalist Dinesh Holla praised her commitment to nurturing plants, recalling her words: “It’s not important how many plants you have planted; what matters is how much care you’ve taken of those saplings.”

Gowda had been ailing for several months and was bedridden following a stroke. Her last rites will be performed in her native village of Ankola on Tuesday. She is survived by her three children and a legacy of environmental stewardship that will continue to inspire generations.