Gadgil’s concern for ecology was rooted in realism

OFTEN called the ‘people’s ecologist’ for speaking up for the rights of marginalized  communities, Madhav Gadgil will be remembered as one of India’s best known ecologists. He championed the cause of tribals, who he said were an integral part of the ecosystem. His approach to conservation was democratic. Gadgil was known to ‘speak’ for forests, rivers and communities.

He passed away at the age of 83 on January 7 at his home in Pune after a brief illness. A well-known writer, columnist and scientist, Gadgil founded the Centre for Ecological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru in 1983.