Maharashtra’s ‘forest sage’ Maruti Chitampalli passes away at 93

Solapur, Jun 18 (PTI) Noted wildlife conservationist and writer Maruti Chitampalli, who taught Maharashtra to read jungles, passed away in Solapur on Wednesday after a brief illness, family sources said.

Chitampalli, 93, revered as ‘Aranya Rishi’ (forest sage) throughout the state, was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri in April this year in recognition of his lifelong dedication to wildlife conservation, literature, and education.

Chitampalli spent much of his life in Vidarbha region as a forest officer, author, and conservationist and had an extensive knowledge of the region's forests and wildlife.

His connection with nature began early, inspired by his mother's love for the wilderness. After a course at Coimbatore Forest College in 1958, he began a career in Maharashtra's forest department.

Chitampalli’s early years in Konkan gave him a practical understanding of forest conservation, but it was his posting in Vidarbha's Navegaon National Park during the 1970s that was instrumental in shaping his later years.

His deep exploration of Vidarbha's jungles not only enriched his understanding of wildlife but also led him to collect words and expressions from tribal communities. These words enriched Marathi vocabulary.

His first book, Pakshi Jaay Digantara in 1981 was a bestseller and laid the foundation for a successful literary career.

His dictionaries on birds (Pakshi Kosh), animals (Prani Kosh), and trees (Vruksha Kosh) became essential references for researchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

After retiring as deputy chief conservator of forests in 1990, Chitampalli continued to educate people about the importance of nature.

Tributes have been pouring for the man who turned Maharashtra's forests into a classroom and its jungles into poetry. PTI COR VT VT