Meet Tulsi Gowda, the barefoot environmentalist, who got Padma Shri

Padma Award: As Tulsi Gowda walked the Rashrapati Bhavan red carpet barefoot to receive her Padma Award from President Ram Nath Kovind, she symbolised the transformation of the civilian awards into truly people's award.

A photograph of Tulsi Gowda in traditional attire, barefoot greeting PM Modi as the environmentalist proceeded to receive her Padma Shri has touched many a hearts.

The 72-year-old environmentalist belonging o Halakki tribe in Karnataka never received any formal education, and yet, today she is known as "Encyclopedia of the Forest". The title has been given to her because of her vast knowledge of diverse species of plants and herbs.

She has planted more than 30,000 saplings and has been involved in environmental conservation activities for the past six decades.

Tulsi Gowda was awarded the fourth highest civilian honour on Monday.

Also Watch: Ekta Kapoor and Karan Johar conferred the Padma Shri by President Kovind

"Attended the first of the Padma Award ceremonies for the years 2020 and 2021. I felt extremely happy to see grassroots level achievers being recognised for their exemplary efforts to further public good. Congratulations to all those who have been conferred the #PeoplesPadma", PM Modi tweeted after the awards ceremony.