Padma Shri Awardee 'Vrikshamata' Tulsi Gowda passes away
Ankola: Tulsi Gowda, popularly known as the 'Vrikshamata' (Mother of Trees), passed away at the age of 86 at her home due to age related ailments in Honnalli village, Ankola taluk, on Monday evening.
Tulsi js survived by two children and four grandchildren.
Tulsi Gowda earned her nickname by planting and nurturing millions of trees over decades, dedicating her life to environmental conservation. Known for planting over thirty thousand saplings annually, she contributed significantly to reforesting barren lands and promoting greenery. Her efforts earned her the prestigious Padma Shri Award from the Indian government.
Despite facing personal challenges, including losing her husband at a young age and raising two children as a widow, Tulsi joined the Forest Department as a daily wage worker. Her passion for nature turned her job into a lifelong mission. She collected seeds, cultivated saplings, and reforested vast areas, which led to her becoming a symbol of environmental dedication.
Tulsi Gowda, a member of the Halakki tribal community, possessed remarkable knowledge of trees, their uses, and their care. Her expertise surpassed that of many professionals, and forest scientists often marveled at her understanding of sapling production and seed care. She grew trees like mango, banyan, and jackfruit while promoting eco-friendly species to combat environmental degradation.
Her selfless commitment to the environment extended beyond her retirement. Even in her later years, she continued nurturing plants in the forests near her home. Visitors from across the state sought her guidance and inspiration, recognizing her as a beacon of environmental consciousness.
Tulsi Gowda's contributions were celebrated with numerous accolades, including the Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra Award, the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award (1999), Smt. Kavita Memorial award, Indavalu H. Honnaiah social service Award and several other honors for her tireless work in environmental conservation. She continued her mission even while living a modest life, relying on a small pension and the support of her two sons, who work as laborers.
Tulsi often expressed concern over the environmental degradation caused by modern practices like the widespread planting of acacia, which she believed harmed groundwater levels. She advocated for the cultivation of traditional, eco-friendly trees, urging society to prioritize sustainable practices.
Tulsi Gowda's legacy lives on in the countless trees she planted and the lives she inspired to protect the environment for future generations.
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Barber held for beating man to death over 'bidi' in east Delhi
New Delhi (PTI): A 32-year-old barber was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly beating a man to death following an altercation over a 'bidi' in east Delhi's Pandav Nagar area, police said.
A call regarding the incident that occurred near the bus stand road in Shashi Garden was received at 1.24 am, they said.
The victim was identified as Deepak (28), while the accused was Manoj, he added.
According to the police, during an argument, the accused picked up a wooden stick lying nearby and struck the victim repeatedly on the head. Multiple injuries and bruise marks were also found on the victim's forehead.
"Deepak was taken to Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital, but doctors declared him brought dead," an officer said.
An FIR has been registered and further investigation is underway, the officer added.
