Maharashtra News: Padma Shri Awardee ‘Aranya Rishi’ Maruti Chitampalli Passes Away At 93 In Solapur
Maharashtra News: Padma Shri Awardee 'Aranya Rishi' Maruti Chitampalli Passes Away at 93 in Solapur
Noted environmentalist, wildlife expert, and Padma Shri awardee Maruti Chitampalli, fondly known as ‘Aranya Rishi’, passed away at the age of 93 due to age-related ailments. He breathed his last around 7 PM at his residence in Solapur, bringing an end to a life dedicated to forests, wildlife, and conservation literature.
Chitampalli had been unwell and bedridden since returning from Delhi after receiving the prestigious Padma Shri award from President Droupadi Murmu on April 30, 2025. His health had been deteriorating ever since the ceremony.
A Life Devoted to Forests and Wildlife
Maruti Chitampalli served in the Forest Department for 36 years, during which he travelled over 5 lakh kilometers across India for research and documentation. Fluent in 13 languages, he used his linguistic prowess to engage with tribal communities and collect valuable ecological and environmental data. This knowledge was meticulously recorded in hundreds of diaries, which he preserved for over three decades. These diaries laid the foundation for his scientific works like ‘Pakshikosha’ (Encyclopedia of Birds), ‘Pashukosha’ (Encyclopedia of Animals), and ‘Matsyakosha’ (Encyclopedia of Fish).
An accomplished writer, Chitampalli authored more than 25 books on wildlife, forests, flora, and fauna, presenting a blend of scientific insight and literary charm. His work helped bridge the gap between academic research and public awareness, bringing the wonders of nature to the Marathi-speaking masses.
Tributes Pour In from Literary and Political Circles
Milind Joshi, President of the Marathi Sahitya Parishad, expressed deep sorrow, stating, “This is a tragic loss for Marathi literature. Maruti Chitampalli pioneered the genre of nature writing in Marathi. His vivid descriptions made readers feel as if they were walking through forests, listening to the whispers of wild animals and birds. He combined scholarly depth with an elegant literary style, creating a unique path in Marathi literature.”
Former Forest Minister and senior BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar also paid tribute, saying, “We have lost a rare scholar deeply connected with forests and wildlife. Maruti Chitampalli was not just an expert but a sage-like figure whose commitment to environmental research and documentation was unparalleled. Despite the government’s general policy of not awarding serving government employees with the Padma Shri, an exception was made in his case due to his immense contributions.”
Mungantiwar added that the void left by Chitampalli’s passing would be hard to fill. “His legacy in the field of wildlife and environmental literature will inspire generations. His discipline, dedication, and vast knowledge were nothing short of saintly.”
A Legacy Etched in Green
Revered as a symbol of positive environmentalism, Maruti Chitampalli’s efforts enriched India’s understanding of biodiversity. His contribution to forest conservation, tribal engagement, and scientific documentation stands as a monumental achievement. Through his books and diaries, Chitampalli ensured that the treasures of the natural world were not just preserved but celebrated.
The nation mourns the loss of a true environmental visionary whose life was a testament to the deep bond between man and nature.
