Padma Shri Maruti Chitampalli Bids Farewell

GG News Bureau
New Delhi,20thJune :India lost one of its most cherished voices in environmental literature and conservation on the night of June 18, 2025, with the passing of Padma Shri Maruti Chitampalli, lovingly known as the Aranya Rishi (Forest Sage) and Pakshimitra (Friend of Birds). He was 93. His demise marks the end of a literary and ecological era—one that seamlessly blended nature with the written word.

Born on November 12, 1932, in Solapur, Maharashtra, Chitampalli developed a deep bond with the natural world from an early age. His lifelong passion for forests, wildlife, and native ecosystems was expressed not only through his literary works but also through decades of government service. He served for over 36 years in the Maharashtra Forest Department, retiring as Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests. His contributions to the development of Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Navegaon National Park, Nagzira Sanctuary, and Melghat Tiger Reserve are monumental and still visible in the thriving biodiversity of these regions.

Fluent in 13 languages, Chitampalli was a rare fusion of a naturalist, civil servant, and literary giant. His writings gave voice to the forest, the tribal ethos, and the delicate balance between man and nature. His acclaimed autobiography, ‘Chakva Chandana: Ek Vanopanishad’, was a lyrical journey into his childhood experiences with nature. Other notable works include ‘Vanopanishad’, ‘Pakshikosh’, ‘Ratwa’, and ‘Ananddayi Bagale’, which remain literary treasures of Marathi environmental literature. His book ‘Ratwa’ earned the Maharashtra State Literary Award.

Beyond literature, Chitampalli made a significant impact on bird science, tribal knowledge systems, and wildlife education. In 2006, he was honored as the President of the 83rd All India Marathi Literary Conference. He received numerous accolades, including the Vinda Karandikar Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017, the Kirloskar Film Festival Honor in 2018, and most recently, the Padma Shri Award from President Droupadi Murmu on April 30, 2025.

As news of his death spread, tributes poured in from across the state. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described him as a sage who “wove nature into the fabric of literature.” Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said, “He built a bridge between human emotion and the soul of nature.” Ajit Pawar called him “not just a writer but a visionary ornithologist and environmental monk.”

Chitampalli’s life was a sacred offering to the service of nature and the literary world. Though his physical presence is no longer with us, his words, wisdom, and wild spirit will forever inspire generations. The Maharashtra government will accord him a state funeral with due honors.