Bhatkal: Known as 'Encyclopedia of Forest', Tulsi Gowda, who received the Padma Shri award from the President of India recently received a rousing welcome by Bhatkal Taluka Administration at Shiroor Toll Plaza on Saturday.

She is one of the 119 Padma awardees for the year 2020.

Tulsi Gowda, a resident of Honnali village in Uttara Kannada district, had planted more than 30,000 saplings and takes care of the nurseries of the forest department.

Gowda belongs to Halakki Tribal in Karnataka and is also known as the Encyclopedia of Forest due to her vast knowledge of diverse species of plants and herbs. She has been involved in environmental conservation activities for the past six decades.

Bhatkal Assistant Commisoner Mamatha Devi, Thashildar Ravichandra and many others were present.