Madhav Gadgil was a pioneering Indian ecologist and a champion for nature and local communities. He is widely respected for his deep commitment to saving India’s environment, especially the Western Ghats. His work helped change how people think about conservation by focusing on the rights of common people living near forests.
Who is Madhav Gadgil?
Madhav Gadgil was an eminent scientist, teacher, and author who founded the Centre for Ecological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science. He became a household name for leading the “Gadgil Commission,” which studied the environmental health of the Western Ghats. He spent his life arguing that protecting nature is only possible if local people are involved. His books and articles have educated thousands of students and policymakers about the importance of biodiversity and sustainable living in India.
Madhav Gadgil Age – How Old Was He?
Madhav Gadgil was born on May 24, 1942, in Pune, Maharashtra. As of early 2026, he reached the age of 83. Sadly, he passed away on January 7, 2026, after a brief illness in his hometown. Throughout his long life, he remained active in public discussions about climate change and forest rights. Even in his 80s, he continued to write and mentor young scientists, leaving behind a legacy that spans over six decades of dedicated service to the planet.
Madhav Gadgil Biography / Wiki Table
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Madhav Dhananjaya Gadgil |
| Date of Birth | May 24, 1942 |
| Date of Death | January 7, 2026 (Aged 83) |
| Birthplace | Pune, Maharashtra, India |
| Profession | Ecologist, Academic, and Author |
| Famous Work | Gadgil Report (Western Ghats) |
| Major Awards | Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Tyler Prize |
| Alma Mater | Harvard University, University of Mumbai |
Early Life and Background
Madhav Gadgil grew up in a family that valued learning and nature. His father, Dhananjay Ramchandra Gadgil, was a famous economist and a birdwatcher who often took Madhav on outdoor trips. These early experiences in the hills of Maharashtra sparked his lifelong interest in plants and animals. He was also a talented athlete in his youth, holding high jump records at Pune University. This mix of physical activity and a curious mind helped him become a field scientist who loved exploring remote forests and speaking directly with tribal communities.
Madhav Gadgil Education
His academic journey was very impressive. He first studied biology at Fergusson College in Pune, where he graduated in 1963. He then earned a master’s degree in zoology from the University of Mumbai in 1965. For his higher studies, he went to Harvard University in the United States. There, he became the first student at Harvard to get a PhD in biology based on mathematical modeling. This education gave him the unique ability to combine complex math with real-world observations of nature.
Madhav Gadgil Profession
Professionally, Madhav Gadgil was a giant in the field of ecology. He served as a professor at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru for over 30 years. He was also a member of the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India. His most famous role was as the Chairman of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel. He wrote many influential books, such as This Fissured Land, which explains the history of India’s environment. In 2024, he was honored as a “Champion of the Earth” by the United Nations for his lifetime of work.
Madhav Gadgil Family – Table
| Relationship | Name | Details |
| Father | Dhananjay Ramchandra Gadgil | Noted Economist |
| Mother | Pramila Gadgil | Homemaker |
| Wife | Sulochana Gadgil | Famous Meteorologist (Died 2025) |
| Son | Siddhartha Gadgil | Mathematician |
| Daughter | Gauri Gadgil | Journalist and Teacher |
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