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3-gun salute for Chitampalli, condolence meet in Solapur on June 22
Kolhapur: Maruti Chitampalli, the renowned naturalist, wildlife conservationist and Marathi author and recipient of the
Padma Shri award
, received a three-gun salute at a Solapur crematorium before his pyre was lit by his relatives.
Chitampalli, who was known as Aranya Rishi, died on Wednesday at 93 years of age. His mortal remains, draped in the Indian tricolour, were taken in a morning procession before cremation. Following Solapur community traditions, Halgi players led the procession with drums and trumpets. Ambadas Kankatti, a vocaliser, honoured Chitampalli by mimicking various bird and animal sounds.
The funeral was attended by prominent figures, including district guardian minister Jaykumar Gore and district collector Kumar Ashirwad.
Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis posted on X: "He lived like a monk, he knew 13 languages, and expressed many wonders of nature in words. He told the language of birds, he put into words the knowledge possessed by the tribals. He wrote Vanopanishad and Pakshikosh, which will stay with us forever.
"
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar wrote on X: "He spent his entire life in the trees and in the company of books. He brought the talk of birds, the life of animals, the sensation of trees, and the heartbeat of the forest into 21 books. He contributed to the development of Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Navegaon National Park, Nagzira Sanctuary, and Melghat Tiger Project."
A condolence meet is scheduled for June 22, where attendees will share their memories of Chitampalli.
