award winners
Chaitram Devchand Pawar, maharashtra
Chaitram Devchand Pawar, from the Kokani tribe of Maharashtra, has received numerous prestigious awards for his contributions to biodiversity conservation and social change leadership. He was honored with the International Fund for Agricultural Development award in Bangkok (2003) for his work in biodiversity. His other accolades include the Biodiversity Award (2014) from UNDP India, Sant Tukaram Vangram Puraskar (Dhule), Maharashtra Vanbhushan Puraskar (Chandrapur, 2024), Vasundhara Sanman Purskar (Jalgaon, 2019), and the Sewavrati Karyakarta Purskar (Pune, 2011) and many more.
Chaitram Devchand Pawar, from the Kokani tribe of Maharashtra, has worked for over 30 years with forest-dwelling tribes on community development, conservation, and sustainable agriculture. He is the president of Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram for Marathwada and Khandesh, and has led efforts like joint forest management, biodiversity registers, and women's empowerment. Pawar introduced sustainable farming techniques, solar energy, and health initiatives. His work is replicated across six states and impacts over 100 villages. He was appointed an Expert Member of the Forest Advisory Committee in 2015.
Chaitram Devchand Pawar, from the Kokani tribe in Maharashtra, has made significant contributions to tribal development. Starting in 1992, he initiated forest conservation and agricultural development, including the cultivation of 5000 trees. His efforts expanded to watershed development, biodiversity projects, and market-driven crop selection. Notable achievements include solar pumps, rice mills, and community forest rights for 44 villages. His initiatives have promoted sustainable agriculture, gender equality, clean energy, education, and climate action, improving the socio-economic conditions of the community.
Chaitram Devchand Pawar, an awardee from the Kokani tribe of Maharashtra, has made significant contributions to tribal life and culture, emphasizing the importance of Jal, Jungle, and Jameen. His work reflects a deep connection to nature and gratitude towards the Panchamahabhuta. Pawar actively opposed deforestation in his village, advancing forest conservation and development. Additionally, he spearheaded water conservation efforts through community participation and effectively utilized government schemes for both forest and water conservation initiatives.
