PM Modi Honors Tulsi Gowda, A Beacon of Hope for Environmental Preservation

Bengaluru, Dec 17 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow over the loss of Padma Shri recipient and environmentalist Tulsi Gowda. In an emotional tribute, he referred to her as a guiding light for environmental conservation, whose unwavering commitment will inspire many future generations.

On social media platform X, PM Modi posted a touching photo of himself seeking blessings from Tulsi Gowda. He wrote, "I am deeply saddened by the passing of Smt Tulsi Gowda Ji, a revered environmentalist from Karnataka and Padma Awardee. She devoted her life to nurturing nature, planting thousands of saplings, and safeguarding our environment. She will always be a guiding light for environmental conservation. Her efforts will continue to inspire generations to protect our planet. My heartfelt condolences to her family and admirers. Om Shanti."

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, also expressed his grief over her passing. He stated, "I am profoundly saddened to learn of Mother Tulsi Gowda's demise. She revered nature and dedicated her life to nurturing countless saplings into mature trees. Her priceless contributions leave an inspiring legacy for the future. I pray for eternal peace for her soul and strength for her family and admirers."

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in his tribute, emphasized her steadfast commitment to environmental preservation. He remarked, "I am saddened by the passing of environmentalist Tulsi Gowda from Honnalli in Ankola taluk. Despite working as a daily wage laborer in the Forest Department, her commitment to planting and nurturing trees continued even post-retirement, earning her the distinguished Padma Shri award. In remembrance of her profound love for the environment, I pray for eternal peace for her soul."

BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra lauded Tulsi Gowda's exceptional contributions, stating, "Known as 'Vruksha Mata' (Mother of Trees), Tulsi Gowda planted and nurtured over one lakh saplings. The Government of India honored her dedication with the Padma Shri and Rajyotsava awards. May God grant strength to her family and admirers in coping with this loss, and may her soul find eternal peace."

Padma Shri awardee Tulsi Gowda, endearingly known as 'Vruksha Maate' (Mother of Trees), passed away on Monday at her home in Honnalli village, Karwar district, Karnataka. She was 86 and had been struggling with age-related health issues.

Born in 1944 to Narayana and Neeli in Honnalli, Tulsi Gowda was raised in the lush forests of Karnataka, where she forged a deep connection with nature. By the age of 12, her passion for plants and trees was already firmly established. Throughout her life, she planted and nurtured hundreds of thousands of saplings, transforming barren land into vibrant greenery, and earning the title "encyclopedia of forests" from local environmentalists.

Tulsi Gowda's extensive knowledge of over 300 indigenous plant species and her remarkable ability to cultivate forests on plain land were second to none. Despite the early loss of her husband, she joined the Forest Department as a daily wage worker to provide for her two children. Her zeal for afforestation remained unwavering as she collected seeds, nurtured saplings, and quietly spearheaded a green revolution.

Over more than six decades, Tulsi Gowda planted and nurtured over 30,000 saplings each year, leaving behind an invaluable ecological legacy. Her unwavering dedication earned her the Padma Shri award in 2021 and an honorary doctorate from Dharwad Agricultural University.

Tulsi Gowda is survived by two children and four grandchildren.