Tulsi Gowda is a social activist and environmentalist who was born into the Halakki tribal family within the Honnalli village, a settlement transitioning between rural and urban within the Uttara Kannada district in the Indian state of Karnataka. She is known for her efforts to protect and promote the biodiversity of the Western Ghats region of India, which is one of the most ecologically rich areas in the world.

Gowda grew up surrounded by nature and from a young age, she developed a deep appreciation for the natural world and became interested in learning about the plants and animals that lived in the region. She also became aware of the threats to the environment, including deforestation, habitat destruction, and pollution.

After completing her education, Gowda became a schoolteacher and began to teach her students about the importance of protecting the environment. She also started to work with local communities to raise awareness about environmental issues and to encourage people to take action to protect their natural surroundings.

In the 1980s, Gowda became involved in the campaign to protect the Western Ghats region from the construction of a hydroelectric power project. The project would have involved the construction of several dams and would have resulted in the flooding of large areas of forest and farmland. Gowda and other activists worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the ecological and social impacts of the project, and eventually, the government was forced to abandon the project.

Since then, Gowda has been involved in a wide range of environmental campaigns and initiatives. She has worked to promote organic farming to protect biodiversity and conserve forests and water resources. She has also been a vocal advocate for the rights of indigenous communities and for gender equality.

Gowda is a strong believer in the power of education and has worked to promote environmental education at all levels, from primary schools to universities. She has also worked to train local people in the skills needed to manage and conserve natural resources, such as water harvesting and soil conservation.

In recognition of her work, Gowda has received several awards and honors, including the Padma Shri, one of the highest civilian awards in India. She has also been recognized by international organizations such as the United Nations and has been invited to speak at conferences and events around the world.

Despite her many achievements, Gowda remains committed to the cause of environmental protection and continues to work tirelessly to promote sustainability and protect the natural world. She is an inspiration to many people, both in India and around the world, and her work serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our planet for future generations.