Pandillapalli Srinivas was an Indian Forest Service officer (Deputy Conservator of Forests, Karnataka), a Kirti Chakra recipient (second in order of precedence of peacetime gallantry awards), who is widely considered to be one of the most outstanding figures in Indian forest conservation,[1] served as Assistant Commander of Special Task Force(STF) to nab gangster Veerappan.
He was a highly successful visionary who helped the villagers of Karnataka, by paving roads and connecting settlements. He provided drinking water channels to tribal regions, and initiated a mobile dispensary unit to assist the poor with medical services. He constructed more than 40 homes for the homeless with his own salary, started afforestation drives, and spread awareness about wildlife and the environment among the villagers. He also rehabilitated and reformed around 120 rebels. [2]
He was murdered in November 1991 by Koose Munisami Veerappan.[3][4]
In 1992, the President of India conferred the Kirti Chakra to the slain officer's mother as a testament to her son's bravery, noble deeds and commitment in serving the nation.[5] Today, Srinivas is remembered as an honest, dedicated and highly competent Indian civil servant who uplifted the lives of the poor, and he is revered as a deity in several villages in Karnataka.[5]