Pune: Dr. Hema Sane Known As ‘Encyclopedia of Botany,’ Dies At 85
Pune: Dr. Hema Sane Known As ‘Encyclopedia of Botany,’ Dies At 85
Pune, September 19, 2025: Eminent botanist Dr. Hema Sane, aged 85, passed away in Pune early Friday morning. Known as an “encyclopedia of botany,” she devoted her life to living in harmony with nature. Despite residing in central Pune’s Budhwar Peth, she never took an electricity connection for her home, proving through her lifestyle that life without modern utilities was possible.
Born on March 13, 1940, Dr. Sane completed her MSc and PhD in Botany and pursued higher studies in Indian philosophy. She retired as the Head of the Botany Department at Abasaheb Garware College, Pune.
Dr. Sane lived in an old wada near Jogeshwari Temple with cats, a mongoose, an owl, and birds, which she fondly called her family. Her house had no electric lights, refrigerator, TV, or other modern appliances. She relied on well water, sunlight during the day, and a lantern at night, later switching to a solar-powered lamp.
She authored more than 30 books on botany, environment, history, and Indology, and co-wrote academic texts for students. Many of her works, including My Green Friends and The Rare Trees of Pune, remain valuable contributions. She also guided several PhD students and was honored with multiple awards for her work in environmental conservation.
