Pune: Veteran environmentalist Professor Madhav Gadgil’s final journey on Friday was marked by simplicity and silence rather than public spectacle. Only around 40 to 50 people attended the cremation at Navi Peth in Pune, despite Gadgil’s global recognition and contributions to environmental conservation.

Expectations of a large gathering of political leaders, ministers, MLAs, and media personnel went unmet. There were no VIP vehicles, no political representatives, and no visible presence of Marathi or national media. Even the local MLA did not attend.

Madhav Gadgil, often referred to as the “son of the Sahyadri” for his work on the Western Ghats, was laid to rest covered in white on bare earth, surrounded by a small group of well-wishers and environmentalists. Although a funeral with full state honours had been planned, delays occurred as policemen assigned for the ceremony reportedly lost their way, leaving the body unattended for nearly half an hour.

The quiet nature of the farewell stood in stark contrast to Gadgil’s stature. The Padma Bhushan awardee had been honoured with the UN Champion of the Earth award just two years ago and chaired the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, whose recommendations significantly influenced environmental policy in India.

Observers noted the stillness and serenity of the surroundings, reflecting the understated nature of Gadgil’s life and work. His quiet cremation has sparked reflection on how the country honours its environmental thinkers, highlighting the contrast between recognition during life and the subdued farewell of a man whose legacy continues to shape conservation discourse.