Kerala's 92-Year-Old Environmental Pioneer Honored with Prestigious Padma Award
In a heartwarming recognition of grassroots environmental efforts, Kollakkayil Devaki Amma G, a remarkable 92-year-old woman from Kerala, has been selected as one of the unsung heroes for this year's Padma awards. Her decades-long dedication to environmental conservation has earned her this prestigious honor, highlighting the critical role of local initiatives in protecting India's natural heritage.
Transforming Coastal Barren Land into a Lush Sanctuary
Amma's award specifically acknowledges her extraordinary afforestation work in Kerala. Through persistent efforts, she transformed the coastal sandy land of Alappuzha into a vibrant living sanctuary. This achievement involved creating a dense green cover populated with over 3,000 rare indigenous and medicinal plants, showcasing her deep commitment to biodiversity and sustainable practices.
Other Green Warriors Recognized with Padma Shri Awards
The Padma awards also celebrated several other environmental champions across India:
- Gambir Singh Yonzone: An educationist and social activist from Darjeeling, West Bengal, Yonzone is the founder of the Himalaya Science Association. His significant contributions include playing a key role in establishing the Singalila and Neora Valley National Parks, which are vital for preserving the region's unique ecosystems.
- Hally War: A dedicated social worker from Meghalaya, War has been instrumental in revitalizing the Khasi living root bridges in Cherrapunji. His work not only fortified this environmental heritage but also involved mentoring numerous families in the art of root bridge weaving and broader environmental protection techniques.
- Mohan Nagar: Hailing from Madhya Pradesh, Nagar received the Padma Shri for his extensive environment conservation efforts. His notable projects include building 75 Tapti Upvans and 75,000 water structures across 75 hills, alongside planting thousands of native species to enhance local biodiversity.
These awards underscore the government's recognition of sustainable development and the invaluable contributions of individuals working tirelessly at the community level. By honoring such unsung heroes, the Padma awards inspire others to engage in environmental stewardship, reinforcing the importance of grassroots activism in addressing global ecological challenges.
