Persistent Eco-Activists Worth Recognizing
This Environment Week, let's take a moment to celebrate the unsung heroes who are making a significant difference in environmental conservation across India. From planting thousands of trees to championing water conservation, these individuals are leading the way in preserving and restoring our natural ecosystems.
One such environmental champion is Tulsi Gowda from Karnataka, affectionately known as the "Encyclopedia of Forests." Honoured with the Padma Shri in 2021, Tulsi has planted over 30,000 saplings and uses traditional knowledge to preserve forests. Her dedication extends beyond planting trees; she identifies and protects key "mother trees" vital for ecosystem health and leads forest nursery efforts and reforestation work in her community.
Kollakkayil Devaki Amma, another remarkable figure, transformed her backyard into a thriving forest over 35 years. Despite personal setbacks, her work is a testament to the far-reaching environmental impacts that can result from individual commitment.
Advocate Abhijay Negi, a leading environmental defender from Uttarakhand, has been fighting for over 15 years to protect his state's delicate ecosystems. He founded the NGO "Making a Difference by Being the Difference (MAD)" and has spearheaded public interest litigations to safeguard Uttarakhand's natural habitats.
Satvika Iyer is recognised for her work in advancing food justice and environmental education, demonstrating the profound impact individual eco-activists can have in promoting sustainability and awareness.
These heroes exemplify the dedication of many lesser-known but impactful environmental champions across India. They combine traditional knowledge, activism, education, and legal advocacy to preserve and restore natural ecosystems.
Let us also remember Thimmakka, a humble farmer from Karnataka, who planted over 8,000 trees, including 385 banyans. Her efforts have transformed the landscape and earned her several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 2019.
Rajendra Singh, also known as the "Waterman of India," founded the NGO Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS) and has dedicated his life to water conservation. His path-breaking work has earned him the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership in 2001.
These unsung heroes remind us that every action counts in preserving our planet. Whether it's planting a tree, conserving water, or supporting sustainable initiatives, let us all do our part this Environment Week and beyond.
Happy Environment Week!
[1] Tulsi Gowda: https://www.thebetterindia.com/116664/tulsi-gowda-karnataka-forest-conservation-tree-plantation-padma-shri/ [2] Abhijay Negi: https://www.thebetterindia.com/189947/abhijay-negi-uttarakhand-environment-activist-legal-struggle-for-mountains/ [3] Kollakkayil Devaki Amma: https://www.thebetterindia.com/128795/kollakkayil-devaki-amma-kerala-women-forest-conservation-padma-shri/ [4] Satvika Iyer: https://www.thebetterindia.com/190023/satvika-iyer-food-justice-environmental-education-bengaluru/
- Tulsi Gowda, affectionately known as the "Encyclopedia of Forests," also leads forest nursery efforts and reforestation work in her community, showing that environmental conservation extends beyond planting trees.
- Although Kollakkayil Devaki Amma transformed her backyard into a thriving forest over 35 years, her work demonstrates that individual commitment can have far-reaching environmental impacts.
- Advocate Abhijay Negi, like Satvika Iyer, utilizes legal advocacy to safeguard natural habitats, reminding us that activism plays a crucial role in environmental preservation.
- Home and garden enthusiasts can contribute to environmental conservation by engaging in gardening and supporting gardening initiatives, making a difference in preserving our natural ecosystems a lifestyle choice similar to fashion and beauty trends.
