On April 28, 2025, Shri Maruti Bhujangrao Chitampalli, affectionately known as “Aranya Rishi” (The Forest Sage), was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri by the President of Bharat in recognition of his lifelong dedication to wildlife conservation, literature, and education. A revered forest officer, conservationist, and prolific Marathi author, Chitampalli’s work has inspired generations to appreciate and protect Bharat’s natural heritage. This national honor celebrates his pivotal role in developing key wildlife sanctuaries, enriching Marathi literature with his nature writings, and fostering environmental awareness across Maharashtra and beyond.

Early Life and Inspiration

Maruti Bhujangrao Chitampalli, born on November 5, 1932, in Solapur, Maharashtra, is celebrated as “Aranya Rishi”-the Forest Sage-for his extraordinary contributions to wildlife conservation, literature, and education. Inspired by his mother’s love for nature, Chitampalli’s fascination with the wilderness began early. He pursued formal training at the State Forest Service College in Coimbatore in 1958, which set the foundation for his lifelong journey in forest conservation.

Career in Forest Service and Conservation

Chitampalli’s career as a forest officer spanned over four decades, primarily in the forests of Vidarbha and Nagpur, which he considered his true home. He retired as Deputy Director of the Melghat Tiger Reserve in 1990, but his legacy includes instrumental roles in the development of several key wildlife sanctuaries and reserves:

• Navegaon National Park
• Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary
• Karnala Bird Sanctuary
• Melghat Tiger Project

His hands-on conservation work was deeply intertwined with his spiritual connection to the forests, which he described as a source of humility, patience, and inspiration.

Literary Contributions and Enrichment of Marathi Language

Chitampalli is a pioneer of nature writing in Marathi, blending scientific knowledge with creative storytelling. His first book, Pakshi Jaay Digantara (1981), was an instant bestseller and marked the beginning of a prolific literary career. He authored over 25 books, including:

• Pakshikosh (Dictionary of Birds)
• Pranikosh (Dictionary of Animals)
• Vruksha Kosh (Dictionary of Trees)
• Ratawa, Ranvata, Mrugpakshishastra, Shabdanche Dhan, Jangalache Dene

These works are essential references for researchers and nature enthusiasts. Remarkably, Chitampalli enriched the Marathi language by introducing around 100,000 new words, many collected from tribal communities in Vidarbha, thus preserving and celebrating indigenous knowledge.

Mentorship and Public Engagement

Known as a guru and guide, Chitampalli mentored generations of forest officers, nature lovers, and journalists, often leading them on educational treks through the jungles. He presided over the first Maharashtra Pakshimitra Sammelan in 1987 and the Marathi Sahitya Sammelan at Solapur in 2006-rare honors for a conservationist.

Recognition and Awards

Chitampalli’s work has been recognized with numerous accolades:

• Padma Shri (2025)
• Maharashtra State Literature Awards for Jangalacha Dena, Ranwata, and Ratwa
• Nagbhushan Award (2008)
• Jeevanvrati Puraskar of Vidarbha Sahitya Sangh (2003)
• Vasundhara Sanman (2009)

Legacy and Philosophy

Chitampalli’s philosophy, as expressed in his writings, views the jungle as a sacred center of Bharatiya life and thought. He lamented the growing disconnect between people and nature, urging society to cherish and protect the forests. Even after retirement, he continued to write, educate, and inspire from his home in Solapur, with his diaries and notes promising more insights for future generations.

Aranya Rishi Maruti Chitampalli’s life is a testament to the power of dedication, blending scientific rigor with cultural preservation and literary artistry. His legacy endures in Maharashtra’s forests, the enriched Marathi language, and the countless individuals he inspired to see the jungle not just as wilderness, but as a living classroom and a source of wisdom.