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Padma Bhushan ecologist Madhav Gadgil cremated with state honours

As a Padma Bhushan recipient, the funeral included a ceremonial salute, with the national flag draped over the body, honouring his lifelong service to the nation.

2 min readPuneJan 8, 2026 08:08 PM IST

Gadgil was one of India’s most respected environmental thinkers, best known for his work on biodiversity conservation, sustainable development and environmental governance. (Express photo)

Written by Advaya Apte

Renowned ecologist and Padma Bhushan awardee Madhav Gadgil was cremated at the Vaikuntha crematorium on Thursday evening. In recognition of his contribution to the field of ecology and environmental conservation, Gadgil was accorded state honours during the last rites.

As a Padma Bhushan recipient, the funeral included a ceremonial salute, with the national flag draped over the body, honouring his lifelong service to the nation. The gathering remained small and sombre, reflecting the quiet dignity that Gadgil was known for throughout his life.

Gadgil was one of India’s most respected environmental thinkers, best known for his work on biodiversity conservation, sustainable development and environmental governance. Over the decades, he played a crucial role in shaping discussions on ecological protection, particularly along India’s fragile coastline and forest regions. His interventions, backed by detailed research and scientific data, led to several environmentally harmful mining and development projects being challenged or halted.

Praveen Jagtap (52), who had known Gadgil for over 25 years, recalled his influence beyond academic circles. “What makes me proud is the amount of work he did to conserve wildlife, especially along the coastline. Taking on established contractors was never easy, but many mining activities were stopped because of his efforts,” he said. Jagtap also remembered Gadgil as a mentor who encouraged sustainable living, adding that he often motivated him to pursue fruit farming on his small agricultural land.

Aniruddha Kulkarni (50) highlighted Gadgil’s methodical approach to activism. “He never protested for the sake of protest. He presented his arguments logically and statistically, and that is how he managed to convince the system,” he said.

Madhav Gadgil’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian environmentalism, but his work continues to guide ecological policy and grassroots conservation efforts across the country.

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