Encyclopedia of Forest
an uneducated halakki tribal woman who became force for environment conservation
Tulsi Gowda is a 77-year-old environmentalist, a Hakkali tribal woman from Uttar Karnataka and a recipient of Padma Shri for planting 30,000 saplings in Karnataka and an extensive work in environment conservation.
Tulsi Gowda was only 2-year-old when she lost her father. Succumbing to poverty Gowda and her mother started working early as a daily wager at local nursery, that prohibited her from getting any formal education.
At age of 10 she was married off to older man who passed away when she was in 50s.
She continued working as labourer with her mother at local nursery for 35 years. Until she was offered permanent position in recognition of her extensive knowledge of botany and her work towards forest conservation.
As a daily wager and permanent employee at nursery Gowda was responsible for nurturing saplings be grown and harvested at the Karnataka Forestry Department. She has also identified over 300 medicinal plants that have since been used to treat ailments within the villages.
She continued her permanent position for 15 years until voluntarily retiring at 70. Post retirement she continued to advocate for environment conservation and women rights.
Even though she cannot read or write her name but she is known as “encyclopaedia of the forest” by environmentalist and as “tree goddess” by her tribe.
Poverty, child marriage, and illiteracy, braving all odds against her she continued to focus her energy on nurturing her environment and community just like her name Tulsi/Holly Basel (sacred plant in Hindu religion).
For her contribution she was awarded Padma Shri, fourth highest civilian award, in 2021.
“Be the change you want to see”
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