Honouring the Memory of Prof. Madhav Gadgil

From a very young age, I grew up reading the works of Prof. Madhav Gadgil and Prof. Ramachandra Guha. Over the last few years, I have had the privilege of learning from and staying in touch with Professor Ramachandra Guha: engaging deeply with his work and developing my own thoughts on ecology, the environment, and India. The ideals and values that Prof. Guha and Prof. Gadgil have inscribed (they've co-authored and worked together on books, projects and scholarly work) have been a strong guiding force in my own life, as my learning continues to evolve. One of my upcoming articles with the Journal of Human Rights is solely inspired by their works.

Today, India mourns the loss of a great scientist: Professor Madhav Gadgil. I had a brief chat with Professor Guha this morning, where I expressed how young Indian minds will continue to grow from the seeds they have nurtured (and continue to nurture). Professor Guha recollected warmly, remembering what an intellectual and moral beacon Prof. Gadgil was. What a legacy Professor Madhav Gadgil has left behind. India has lost not just a brilliant mind, but a conscious soul who loved and cherished the spirit of India. Our call to protect, advocate for, and build India’s green future lies in each of us 🌱

Read how The Hindu newspaper covers his care for the poor and marginalised amidst climate change:

Madhav Gadgil: “The poorest will bear the heaviest burden as climate change related disasters increase”

Padma Bhushan Professor Madhav Gadgil discusses the increasing frequency of natural disasters and the importance of community involvement in conservation.

The HinduPrachi Pinglay , Siddegowda Shantharaju & Meljo Thomas

One of the books that inspired me:

This Fissured Land

Ecologist Madhav Gadgil and historian Ramachandra Guha offer fresh perspectives both on the ecological history of India and on theoretical issues of interest to environmental historians regardless of geographical specialization.Juxtaposing data from India with the ecological literature on lifestyles as diverse as those of modern Americans and Amazonian Indians, the authors analyze the social conflicts that have emerged over environmental exploitation and explore the impact of changing patterns of resource use on human societies. They present a socio-ecological analysis of the modes of resource use introduced to India by the British, and explore popular resistance to state environmental policies in both the colonial and post-colonial periods.

Google Books

Since India’s Independence, over the last seventy-eight years, we have made huge strides—in economic growth, security, equity and inclusion, poverty alleviation, and in trying to overcome thousands of other unique challenges, while remaining the world’s largest democracy. Yet, we have miles to go... Also, I am of the view that we still fall short in developing a truly science-based strategy for sustainable development (and I stress "sustainable"). In honour of, and in solidarity with, the many incredible people who have sown (and continue to sow and water) the seeds of hope for our nation, humanity, and our beautiful planet, I vow to continue my pursuit… 🌿