The Legacy of ‘Vriksha Mata’
Tulsi Gowda, celebrated environmentalist and Padma Shri awardee, passed away at the age of 86 in her hometown of Honnalli, Ankola taluk, Uttara Kannada district. Affectionately known as “Vriksha Mata” (Mother of Trees) and the “Encyclopedia of Forests,” she dedicated her life to afforestation and forest conservation.
A Lifelong Commitment to Nature
Born in 1944 into Karnataka’s Halakki tribal community, Gowda planted over 30,000 trees and nurtured nearly 100,000. Despite lacking formal education, her vast knowledge of forest ecology and her unique ability to identify and regenerate species from mother trees made her a revered figure in conservation. She worked for 35 years as a laborer before joining the Karnataka Forestry Department, where her expertise enriched community reserves, tiger reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries.
A Symbol of Tradition and Sustainability
Tulsi Gowda’s contributions extended beyond environmental preservation, fostering sustainable livelihoods and education for her community. Honored with the Padma Shri in 2021, she became a symbol of the Halakki tribe’s matriarchal traditions, which deeply connect women to nature.
Her passing marks the loss of an irreplaceable environmental steward, but her legacy continues to inspire.
