Fri Dec 19 13:49:50 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
Acclaimed Indian plant scientist and ethnobiologist, Dr. Palpu Pushpangadan, passed away on December 19, 2025, at the age of 81 in Thiruvananthapuram. Best known for his work in ethnopharmacology and equitable benefit-sharing models, especially his collaboration with the Kani tribal community in developing the ‘Jeevani’ herbal formulation, Dr. Pushpangadan held several prominent positions, including Director of the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) and the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI). He reorganized the JNTBGRI to the garden system and the research and development system. His contributions to science and his efforts to promote young researchers have been widely recognized. He was a Padma Shri recipient and Fellow of several prestigious scientific societies.
News Article:
Renowned Plant Scientist Dr. Palpu Pushpangadan Passes Away at 81
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, December 19, 2025 – India has lost a prominent figure in the field of plant science and ethnobiology with the passing of Dr. Palpu Pushpangadan. He died here on Friday at the age of 81.
Dr. Pushpangadan, a former Director of the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow, and the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI), Palode, was widely respected for his pioneering work in ethnopharmacology. He reorganized the JNTBGRI to the garden system and the research and development system. His most celebrated achievement was the creation of an equitable benefit-sharing model between the Kani tribal community and JNTBGRI, which led to the development of the ‘Jeevani’ herbal formulation. Derived from the Trichopus zeylanicus herb, locally known as Arogyapacha, Jeevani is an anti-fatigue remedy that brought international attention to the importance of traditional knowledge and fair compensation.
Born in Kollam district in 1944, Dr. Pushpangadan’s career spanned several key institutions, including the Regional Research Laboratory in Jammu and the Ministry of Environment and Forests. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan issued a condolence message, highlighting Dr. Pushpangadan’s invaluable contributions to biology, particularly in the area of ethnopharmacology.
P.G. Latha, a former Director of JNTBGRI, remembered Dr. Pushpangadan as a capable administrator who fostered the growth of young scientists and elevated research standards at the institute.
Dr. Pushpangadan’s numerous accolades include the Padma Shri, awarded in 2010. He was also a Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences and other esteemed scientific societies.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. Sreedevi Pushpangadan, and his son, Vipin Mohan Dan, a senior scientist at JNTBGRI. His legacy of scientific achievement and commitment to equitable practices will continue to inspire generations of researchers.
First Piper 