Own Your Authenticity! Lessons From Shri Tulsi Gowda

In this information age, where people strive to display the version of themselves that they are not, one such figure who has challenged the fundamental dogma is Tulsi Gowda. With epithets like the “Encyclopedia of Forest,” “Tree Goddess,” and “The Barefoot Wonder Woman of India,” she has proved that great things can be achieved without molding yourself to the toxic necessities of society.

Who Is She?

Tulsi Gowda is a 72-year-old inspirational figure who is unapologetically confident about her roots and sense of belonging. She hails from the Honnali village that is located in the state of Karnataka, and is unfazed by the fear of getting judged. 

She worked in collaboration with the forest department of the state for 50 years. She is primarily responsible for nurturing the nurseries of the department and the 100,000 saplings that she planted. 

Tulsi Gowda recently received India’s fourth-highest civilian award, Padma Shree, from Ram Nath Kovind, the acting Indian President. 

A Little Background

Tulsi Gowda has never had any formal education in her life as she comes from an impoverished family. She was born in the year 1944 into the Halakki tribe. 

To contribute to her family, she started accompanying her mother at the local nursery as one of the laborers. Tulsi Gowda was one of the victims of child marriage, and her knots were tied to the late Govinde Gowda when she was not more than 12 years old. The inspiring story of this “Tree Goddess,” contributes to those facets of life that desperately need attention. 

What can the world learn from Tulsi Gowda?

Currently, the situation and evolution have been such that little effort can fetch us tonnes of information on anything and everything that exists. Distance has decreased, and the source of opinions augmented. And this has had a significant effect on the psychology of the people.

‘The world is more concerned about the concerns of others concerning themselves!’ This thought process has given rise to mental health problems. One cannot live the way one wants as there is this perpetual fear of getting judged, which eventually leads to one being an unhappy member of the 21st century.

However, if we pause and pay attention to one particular scene from the Padma Shri awards ceremony that captured the country’s attention, our lives will get simple. Yes! The famous scene where Tulsi Gowda, in her tribal attire, walked barefoot to receive the honour in front of the crowd and the entire nation. 

Country’s Wonder Woman

The country’s “Wonder Woman” proved that great things could be achieved by just being yourself. She proved that what actually matters is the weight of your actions. At that moment, Tulsi Gowda taught us that good deeds are primary to the fear of judgments.

And the fact that unfazed confidence has nothing to do with our financial or educational background. By following her own self, she contributed to the world her way. 

Every person behind every screen has a backstory and an opinion of their own (you do the math), so the best you can do is own yours! Let us work towards emancipating ourselves from the slight fear of judgment, and who knows, we too might be contributing towards the world our own way!

Here’s a little insight for the policymakers too! Tulsi Gowda’s story proved that modern technology combined with the rural wisdom of first-hand stakeholders can do wonders! 

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