Team Herald
PANJIM: He is a product of the wilds. That’s his world. Living among the animals, reptiles and other creatures of the Sahyadris, Nirmal Kulkarni, has already been awarded with all the bounty nature has to offer. But on Thursday, he learnt that he has been nominated for one of India’s most prestigious civilian awards, the Padma Shri for 2018
Conservationist and wildlife photographer Nirmal Ulhas Kulkarni, if selected will be recognised in the list of eminent people from Goa honoured with Padma awards.
Kulkarni is clueless as to who nominated him for the esteemed award, but there is a social media campaign launched, appealing to people to vote for and support him. “I am very honoured and feeling proud to have been nominated for the award. But frankly speaking, I have no idea as who has nominated my name for the award,” Kulkarni told Herald.
Kulkarni has been nominated in category ‘Others’ for his contribution towards sustainable tourism and conservation.
40-year-old Kulkarni was the founder of Mhadei Research Centre, a platform that trains young naturalists, brings communities and wildlife enthusiasts together, and documents the biodiversity of the region. He has also done an independent study on the impact the Madhei river diversion will have on Herpetofauna.
He has authored ‘The Goan Jungle Book’ which is aimed at educating students in particular and Goans in general about Goa’s lesser known wildlife.
The Union Home Ministry had invited nominations for honouring prominent persons with Padma awards for 2018. The last date for filing the nomination is September 15.
