Tulsi Gowda: Meet 72-year-old 'Encyclopedia of Forest' who was conferred with Padma Shri

A 72-year-old tribal woman from Karnataka, Tulsi Gowda was conferred with the Padma Shri Award on Monday by President Ram Nath Kovind. The award was given to her for her contribution to protecting the environment.

Gowda is known as the ‘Encyclopedia of the Forest’, as she possesses vast knowledge about the herbs and plant species found across the world. She has worked for the environment for over six decades and has planted more than 30,000 saplings as well as taken care of the nurseries of the forest department.

Gowda belongs to the Halakki indigenous tribe in Karnataka. She grew up in a poor and disadvantaged family and remained devoid of formal education. However, with her vast knowledge of plants, herbs, and trees, in 2021, she is known as the ‘Encyclopedia of Forest’.

The President shared a picture on Twitter where he is seen sharing the award with Gowda with the caption, “She is an environmentalist from Karnataka who has planted more than 30,000 saplings and has been involved in environmental conservation activities for the past six decades.”

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Grown-up in a forest area, Gowda was keen on knowing about trees and plants ever since she was a child. She began working towards improving the forests of India at the age of 12 when she was working alongside her mother at a nursery.

After she worked for over 30 years in a state-run nursery, she was offered a permanent job. She retired after 15 more years at the age of 70.

A photo of the Karnataka tribal greeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, top ministers and dignitaries at the function was widely shared on social media.

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PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were seen greeting her back with folded hands. The PM also posted the image on Instagram.