Kollakkal Devaki Amma G: India’s Evergreen Forest Builder and Padma Shri Awardee
At a time when environmental concerns dominate global conversations, stories of individual commitment and grassroots action stand out with profound impact. One such story is that of Kollakkal Devaki Amma G, a 92-year-old woman from Muthukulam in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, whose lifelong dedication to environmental restoration has not only transformed her local landscape but also earned her one of India’s highest civilian honours, the Padma Shri.
From Farming to Forest: The Turning Point
Devaki Amma was born in the heart of Kerala’s agricultural belt, where her early years were deeply intertwined with farming and horticulture. Inspired by her grandfather’s love for plants, she spent much of her adult life working in the paddy fields of her family’s land. However, in 1980, a serious car accident left her bedridden for three years, halting her farming work and forcing a dramatic reorientation of her life.
During her recovery, Devaki Amma began planting saplings in her backyard — initially as a way to stay engaged and connected with nature. What started as a personal therapy became a passion, and one sapling soon led to hundreds and then thousands. Over the next four decades, she expanded this project into a thriving man-made forest spanning roughly five acres, known today as Tapovanam.
Tapovanam: A Forest Grown by Love and Labor
Tapovanam — literally meaning “forest of meditation” — is now a lush ecosystem filled with more than 3,000 trees and innumerable rare and indigenous plants, shrubs, medicinal species, and fruit trees. The greenery she nurtured has thrived on land that was once barren and sandy, typical of coastal Alappuzha soil. Through persistent care, organic practices like rainwater harvesting and natural manuring, Devaki Amma created not just a forest but a self-sustaining habitat that attracts birds, insects, and animal life, turning the area into a biodiversity haven.
Visitors often describe Tapovanam as a “living classroom” — a place where children, environmentalists, students and researchers come to learn about ecology, native flora, and sustainable land use. Unlike many conservation projects driven by institutional programs or large organizations, this one grew from personal resolve and individual effort, reminding the world that even one person’s actions can seed monumental change.
Recognition and Honors: A Legacy of Quiet Service
Over the years, Devaki Amma’s work has gained increasing recognition at both state and national levels. Among her earlier accolades are the Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Award, the Vanamitra Award, and the prestigious Nari Shakti Puraskar, granted to women who have made exceptional contributions to society. Past Presidents of India have personally acknowledged her efforts, with former President Ram Nath Kovind highlighting her work in national messages.
In 2026, the Government of India awarded her the Padma Shri, the country’s fourth-highest civilian award, under the Unsung Heroes category. This extraordinary recognition at age 92 was conferred in acknowledgement of her decades of sustained environmental conservation and ecological restoration — achievements that often take place outside mainstream attention but bear immense long-term impact.
Receiving the Padma Shri places Devaki Amma among a distinguished group of changemakers whose work enhances human and environmental well-being. It also reflects a growing national emphasis on recognizing community-driven ecological leadership and the crucial role of grassroots action in addressing environmental challenges.
A Personal Story with Universal Lessons
Devaki Amma’s journey resonates on multiple levels. Her transformation from a farmer to a forest creator underscores the potential within every individual to make impactful environmental contributions. Her story also highlights the resilience of the human spirit — how adversity can redirect purpose and lead to work that benefits not just oneself, but entire communities and ecosystems.
Importantly, her approach — grounded in patience, consistency, and respect for nature — offers lessons for sustainable living in an era marked by climate change and ecological degradation. Tapovanam, as a model of biodiversity and regenerative land use, stands as an invitation for others to rethink their relationship with the natural world.
Looking Forward: Legacy and Inspiration
Today, as Devaki Amma continues her daily routines of forest care with the support of her family and community, her legacy extends far beyond the boundaries of Tapovanam. It serves as an inspiration for environmentalists and ordinary citizens alike, illustrating that conservation need not always be large-scale or institutional to be meaningful. Even humble beginnings — like planting one sapling a day — can culminate in enduring ecological impact.
In a world striving for greener futures, Kollakkal Devaki Amma G is a reminder that every tree planted is a seed of hope for the planet — and that recognition of such efforts matters not just for the individual, but for the collective human endeavor to protect and restore the Earth.
Bottom Line
Kollakkal Devaki Amma’s life is a testament to the power of quiet dedication and the transformative impact one person can have on the environment. Her award of the Padma Shri in 2026 celebrates not only her own achievements but also the broader message that grassroots environmental stewardship is invaluable and deserving of national recognition.
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