Honorary doctorate for 'Tree Goddess' Tulsi Gowda

Ankola: Tulsi Gowda of Honnali has been selected to receive an honorary doctorate degree from the prestigious University of Agricultural Sciences Dharwad in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the field of agriculture, an official announcement issued by the university said.

Honorable Governor of Karnataka and Chancellor of the Agricultural University, Thavar Chand Gehlot proposed the honorary doctorate to Gowda, acknowledging her remarkable services in the agricultural domain. She would be conferred the degree during the 36th Convocation of the university on June 16.

An invitation letter has reportedly been sent to Tulsi Gowda.

Known among people as the “Encyclopedia of the Forest” and referred to by her tribe as the “tree goddess,” Tulsi Gowda possesses an extraordinary knowledge of forests and their diverse flora. Her exceptional ability to identify the mother tree of every tree species, regardless of its location, has garnered her widespread recognition.

She has tirelessly planted over 30,000 saplings and oversees the nurseries of the Forest Department, displaying her commitment to environmental conservation. Her commendable efforts have earned her accolades from the Government of India and various other organizations. In 2021, she was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award.