Dr. Madhav Gadgil, a renowned Indian ecologist and conservationist, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy in ecological science and public policy. He was known for his rigorous scholarship and field-level engagement, which earned him the title of “people’s scientist.” Dr. Gadgil spent over three decades as a professor at the Indian Institute of Science, where he founded the Centre for Ecological Sciences and shaped generations of environmental scientists. He also held visiting professorships at Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley, and received international recognition for his work in ecology and conservation biology.
In 2010, Dr. Gadgil was appointed chairman of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, which produced a landmark report on the conservation needs of the fragile mountain ecosystem. The report sparked intense policy debates and is widely considered a milestone in India’s environmental governance. Dr. Gadgil received numerous awards for his contributions to environmental science, including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, India’s highest civilian awards. He was also conferred the “Champion of the Earth” award by the United Nations Environment Programme in 2024.
Dr. Gadgil’s work was not limited to academia; he also served on various government committees, including the Prime Minister’s Science and Technology Advisory Council and the Global Environmental Advisory Committee. He was a fellow of several prestigious scientific organizations, including the Indian Academy of Sciences and the US National Academy of Sciences. His awards include the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, Vikram Sarabhai Award, and the Tyler Prize for his contributions to environmental science.
Dr. Gadgil is remembered by his colleagues and students as a principled voice who believed in empowering communities to protect nature. His wife, Dr. Sulochana Gadgil, a noted climatologist, passed away a few months ago. Dr. Gadgil’s legacy continues to guide India’s environmental thought, and his work remains an inspiration to future generations of environmental scientists and conservationists. His passing has been met with tributes from across India and the world, celebrating his contributions to ecological science and public policy.