From the mountains of Arizona and the coral reefs of the Caribbean to the storied halls of Harvard University and the corridors of the Indian Institute of Science, veteran ecologist Madhav Gadgil’s scientific journey spanned the globe. Yet his most profound and lasting commitment stayed closer to home — the Western Ghats, an ecosystem he not only studied but loved, defended and devoted his life to.
Gadgil passed away at Prayag Hospital in the city at 11pm on Wednesday after a brief illness at the age of 83. In accordance with his wishes, his funeral was held without religious rituals, with state honours, on Thursday evening.