Tulsi Gowda – The Encyclopedia of forest

A native of Honnali Village in Karnataka, Tulsi Gowda has planted more than 30,000 trees in the last 60 years. She started her journey as a 12-year-old child. She was especially appreciated when she walked barefoot to the stage clad in her native costume and accessories for receiving the award from the President of India. She is also known as the ‘encyclopedia of the forest’.

Tulsi Gowda began her journey as a daily wage labourer after which she was appointed as a worker in Karnataka’s forest department. She is particularly interested in native species of plants and trees. She has often encouraged her community members and farmers for afforestation. She believes that we can put an end to human-animal conflicts by planting more fruit trees in forests. She raised her concern against the increased use of non-native and decorative species of plants

Tulsi Gowda’s Padma Shree award is indeed a matter of honour for those associated with the issues of environment and environmental education. In an interview with the New Indian Express, she told that in her discussion with the Prime Minister, she requested him to completely ban the cutting of trees and plants.