TULSI GOWDA
Known as the "Encyclopedia of the Forest"
Born1944 (Karnataka)
TribeHalakki Vokkaliga
AchievementPlanted 30,000+ Trees
HonorPadma Shri (2020)
ExpertiseEthnobotany
Introduction
Tulsi Gowda is a distinguished Indian environmentalist from Honnali village, Karnataka. Despite having no formal education, she possesses an extraordinary, innate knowledge of diverse plant
I see the soul of the earth in every seed I plant. We do not own these forests; we are merely their guardians. If we protect nature today, it will protect our children tomorrow.
Key Milestones
1950s
Started working as a nursery laborer, beginning her lifelong bond with forest conservation.
1980s
Recognized by the Forest Department as a permanent expert due to her unmatched seed knowledge.
1999
Awarded the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, the state's second-highest civilian honor.
2020
Conferred the Padma Shri, receiving a standing ovation for her humble, barefoot presence.
