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3mo ago

Maruti Chitampalli, Maharashtra’s ‘Forest Sage’, Dies at 93

His pioneering nature writings, which emerged from a four-decade career in the Maharashtra Forest Department, earned him a Padma Shri in April

An acclaimed writer, Chitampalli pioneered nature writing in Marathi with his vivid, lyrical descriptions of birds, forests, animals, and tribal life. (HT FILE)
Maruti Bhujangrao Chitampalli

Overview

  • Chitampalli passed away on June 18 in Solapur at age 93 after a brief illness
  • He served for over 36 years in the Maharashtra Forest Department, focusing on ornithology and forest management
  • His 1981 debut Pakshi Jaay Digantara and subsequent bird, animal, and tree dictionaries became seminal references for researchers and enthusiasts
  • In April 2025 he received the Padma Shri in recognition of his lifelong dedication to conservation, literature, and education
  • Leaders across Maharashtra paid tribute and the Pune-based Adventure Foundation will perpetuate his legacy through the Maruti Chitampalli Nisargamitra Award