92-Year-Old Kollakkayil Devaki Amma, the Green Activist Awarded Padma Shri

India’s Padma Awards this year have spotlighted grassroots environmental conservation, with a 92-year-old green activist from Kerala emerging as one of the prominent unsung heroes. The honours recognise decades of sustained ecological work carried out far from public glare, reflecting the government’s emphasis on community-led environmental protection.

Devaki Amma’s afforestation legacy in Kerala

Kollakkayil Devaki Amma G, aged 92, from Kerala has been selected for the Padma Shri for her lifelong contribution to afforestation. Working in Alappuzha district, she transformed barren coastal sandy land into a thriving green sanctuary. Through persistent effort, she developed dense vegetation comprising over 3,000 rare indigenous and medicinal plant species. Her work has significantly improved local biodiversity, soil stability, and microclimatic conditions, making the area a living example of ecological restoration.

Green warriors from eastern and northeastern India

Among other Padma Shri awardees is Gambir Singh Yonzone, an educationist and social activist from Darjeeling in West Bengal. As the founder of the Himalaya Science Association, he played a key role in environmental education and conservation in the eastern Himalayas. His efforts contributed to the establishment of Singalila and Neora Valley National Parks, both critical biodiversity hotspots in the region.

From Meghalaya, social worker Hally War has been recognised for reviving Khasi living root bridges in Cherrapunji. These bio-engineered structures, woven from the roots of rubber fig trees, represent a unique blend of traditional knowledge and ecological sustainability. War not only strengthened this fragile environmental heritage but also mentored local families in root bridge weaving and forest conservation practices.

Environmental conservation initiatives in central India

Mohan Nagar from Madhya Pradesh has also been awarded the Padma Shri for his extensive conservation work. His initiatives include the creation of 75 “Tapti Upvans” and nearly 75,000 water conservation structures across 75 hills. By planting thousands of native species, he helped restore degraded landscapes, improved groundwater recharge, and promoted sustainable land use in the region.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Padma Awards are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day.
• Padma Shri is the fourth-highest civilian award in India.
• The awards recognise contributions in fields including environment, social work, and public affairs.
• Community-based conservation is a key theme among recent Padma awardees.

Recognition of grassroots environmental leadership

The inclusion of senior grassroots activists among Padma winners underlines the growing national recognition of long-term, community-driven environmental action. These awardees demonstrate how local initiatives can create lasting ecological impact across diverse regions of India.