‘Few will know of his enormous contribution towards biodiversity’: Botanists mourn ‘Devdas’ actor Vijay Mohan Crishna

The centre is funded entirely through private and corporate funds. It ensured stable corporate support to scientists and researchers working for the protection of the ecology, especially for the conservation of wild and cultivated plants.

“Crishna played a significant role in strengthening the hands of young men like Dr P Tetali and helping to translate their conservation vision into action,” Dr Mahesh Shindikar, Head, Department of Applied Sciences and Humanities, College of Engineering Pune Technological University, said.

Crishna’s support also ensured research on mangroves in Mumbai, leading to the designation of Thane Creek as a Ramsar site in 2022.

“Through his passing, we have lost a staunch supporter of plant conservation in India, and several in the environmental lobby have mourned the loss of a true plant lover. His legacy will continue to inspire future conservationists,” Dr Watve said.