Padma Shri awardee and environmentalist Tulasi Gowda passes away at 80

Ankola: Tulasi Gowda, fondly known as the “Tree Mother,” passed away on Monday, December 16, at the age of 80. She breathed her last at her residence in Honnalli village, Ankola Taluk, reportedly due to age-related health issues.

A revered environmentalist, Tulasi Gowda was known for planting over a lakh trees, earning her recognition as one of the most prominent environmental conservationists in the Uttara Kannada district. She followed in the footsteps of Padma Shri Sukri Bommagowda, another distinguished woman achiever from the region.

Tulasi Gowda had dedicated her life to nurturing the environment. She worked at the Mattighatta Forest Nursery before retiring and sustained her livelihood by collecting and selling firewood. A member of the Halakki Vokkaliga community, she was also a noted folk artist and spent her life educating and training younger generations about environmental conservation.

Her remarkable contributions earned her the prestigious Padma Shri Award from the Government of India and an honorary doctorate from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. She was also the recipient of numerous accolades for her extraordinary efforts in environmental preservation.

Tulasi Gowda’s passing marks the end of an inspiring journey dedicated to environmental activism and community service.