Padma Shri for 'Encyclopedia of Forest' Tulsi Gowda

Tulsi Gowda, popularly known as the 'Encyclopedia of Forest', was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri this year. She has worked hard towards afforestation efforts in her surroundings. She has single-handedly planted more than 1,00,000 trees in Ankola taluk, which is situated in Coastal Karnataka.

New Delhi:Karnataka’s Tulsi Gowda, popularly known as the 'Encyclopedia of Forest' and Harekala Hajjaba are among the Padma Shri awardees this year. The Padma awards for the year 2020 were announced on Saturday.

Tulsi Gowda is a folk environmentalist, who has worked hard towards afforestation efforts in her surroundings. She has single-handedly planted more than 1,00,000 trees in Ankola taluk, which is situated in Coastal Karnataka. Though she is unlettered, her knowledge of plants is unmatched, which she used during her job in the forest department. She is a simple person, who lives in a hut in Honalli village and is known for her unending love for trees, and the concern for the environment.

Tulasi Gowda is now nearing 74 and retired from her government position, but she continues her efforts. According to a report, she continues going around and planting saplings and caring for them until they can stand on their own.

She is a tribal woman, who belongs to the Halakki tribe. She has expressed outrage at the rampant deforestation in her village due to unchecked development. She has been previously felicitated several times by Karnataka state and others, for her environmental contributions in her district. She is a Rajyotsava awardee from the state.