Nation bids a teary adieu to Tulasi Gowda, a selfless champion of Nature

Tulsi Gowda, the renowned environmentalist and Padma Shri awardee, passed away on Monday at the age of 86 at her residence in Honnali village, Karnataka. Known as the “Vruksha Maate” (Mother of Trees), she spent her life selflessly serving nature and conserving the environment.

Born in 1944 to the Halakki tribal community, Tulsi Gowda dedicated over six decades to planting and nurturing thousands of trees. Her unmatched knowledge of plants earned her the title “Encyclopaedia of Plants.” Starting as a daily wage worker at a forest department nursery, she grew lakhs of saplings, ensuring their survival with her tender care. Her efforts were driven by love for nature, not personal gain. 

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… pic.twitter.com/FWjsvroMty

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)

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… pic.twitter.com/FWjsvroMty

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 17, 2024

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Tulsi Gowda’s selflessness brought her national recognition when she received the Padma Shri in 2021 from President Ram Nath Kovind. Despite accolades, she remained humble, continuing her work with nature. Her passion inspired many, and she became a symbol of afforestation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute, calling her “a guiding light for environmental conservation.” Her life story exemplifies simplicity, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to the planet. Tulsi Gowda's legacy will continue to inspire generations to care for nature with the same selflessness she embodied. Her contribution remains an enduring gift to the environment.