Maruti Chitampalli, a renowned wildlife conservationist and acclaimed Marathi author, passed away at his residence in Solapur on Wednesday evening at the age of 93. He died around 8:30 PM due to age-related ailments.
Often referred to as “Aranyarishee” (forest sage), Chitampalli left behind a lasting legacy in forest conservation, environmental advocacy, and Marathi literature.
Born on November 5, 1932, in Solapur, Chitampalli dedicated more than 36 years to the Maharashtra Forest Department, where he played a pivotal role in wildlife and forest management with a special focus on ornithology. He represented India at numerous international conferences, presenting research papers on biodiversity and conservation. Even after retirement, he remained actively involved in academic and policy advisory roles related to environmental protection.
Chitampalli was a pioneer of nature writing in Marathi, celebrated for his vivid and poetic portrayals of birds, forests, animals, and tribal life. His notable works—Ranvata, Nisargachitre, Pakshimitra, and Junglecha Doctor—brought the unseen rhythms of the wilderness to readers, blending scientific insight with literary elegance. His writings inspired generations of nature enthusiasts and writers.
In 2006, he served as the president of the 83rd Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in Solapur, where he emphasized the importance of ecological awareness among the Marathi-speaking community. His lifetime contributions were honored with the Vinda Karandikar Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar by the Government of Maharashtra in 2017. More recently, in April 2025, he was awarded the Padma Shri for his distinguished achievements in literature and environmental conservation.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis paid tribute, stating, “Chitampalli sir, who knew 13 languages, beautifully expressed the wonders of nature through his words. He gave voice to the knowledge of tribal communities and translated the language of birds for the world. His works, including Vanopanishad and Pakshikosha, are invaluable legacies. Beyond literature, he led the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan as president and was rightly honored with the Padma Shri this year.”
Milind Joshi, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal, remarked, “With a rare combination of passion, deep research, and lived experience, Chitampalli carved a unique place in Marathi literature. He gave forests, animals, birds, and trees their voice. His encyclopedic compilations enriched Marathi lexicography and introduced readers to tribal dialects and the mystical world of nature. His passing is the loss of a sage-like literary figure.”
For over a decade, the Pune-based Adventure Foundation has presented the Maruti Chitampalli Nisargamitra Award to honor his legacy. Vivek Deshpande, the foundation’s president and a close associate of Chitampalli for over 40 years, shared, “We went on countless jungle safaris together. He taught me the true meaning of forest conservation. We had hoped to celebrate his Padma Shri with a felicitation event in Pune just two months ago. Sadly, due to his health, he was unable to attend. Though that moment is lost, the award bearing his name will continue to celebrate his life’s work.”
