December 17, 2024: Tulsi Gowda, the renowned environmentalist and Padma Shri awardee, known as the "Vruksha Maate" (Mother of Trees), passed away at the age of 86 on Monday at her residence in Honnali village, located in Ankola Taluk, Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. She had been battling age-related ailments in her final days.

A stalwart of environmental conservation, Tulsi Gowda dedicated over six decades of her life to the preservation and nurturing of nature. Born into the Halakki tribal community in 1944, Gowda’s deep connection with the environment began in her childhood. She started working as a daily wage laborer at a forest department nursery, and over the years, became a passionate and knowledgeable conservationist, credited with planting and nurturing thousands of trees in and around Ankola.

Her exceptional knowledge of plants and unique approach to nurturing saplings earned her the title "Encyclopaedia of Plants." She was instrumental in planting lakhs of trees and ensured their survival, contributing significantly to afforestation efforts in the region. Her tireless work and dedication to environmental sustainability earned her national recognition.

In 2021, Tulsi Gowda was honored with the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards, in acknowledgment of her remarkable contributions to the environment. The award was presented to her by former President Ram Nath Kovind, marking a proud moment in her life of quiet but impactful work. Alongside the Padma Shri, she received an honorary doctorate from Dharwad Agricultural University and several other awards, including the prestigious Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra Award.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, remembering Tulsi Gowda as "a guiding light for environmental conservation" and a "true inspiration" to future generations.

Tulsi Gowda leaves behind her children, grandchildren, and a lasting legacy of green conservation. Her last rites will be conducted in her native village, where she spent the majority of her life working tirelessly to preserve the environment.

Her passing marks the end of an era, but her work and dedication to nature will continue to inspire countless individuals and environmentalists around the world.