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Last edited March 15, 2026


Usha Desai is an Indian doctor of medicine and environmentalist.[1][2]

Usha Desai
EducationM.R.C.P.
OccupationDoctor (retired)
Known forEnvironmental advocacy

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Desai holds a Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom (M.R.C.P.).[3][4] She worked as a doctor at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Parel, Mumbai.[5]

Environmental advocacy[edit | edit source]

Desai raises awareness of the environment and particularly of trees by conducting immersive walks.[6][7] She narrates stories related to the origin of trees as well as associated mythological tales in addition to scientific details.[8][9] Each walk includes visiting and discussing dozens of preselected, carefully researched and often rare varieties of trees and plants.[5] The walks also incorporate discussion of biodiversity.[10]

Desai's mantra for saving trees is simple, as follows below.[1][2]

"The tree walk will help you fall in love with trees. Thus, when you love a tree, you will not cut that tree, and that’s how we will be able to save our trees."

— Dr. Usha Desai

Desai is trained in botany, entomology and biodiversity from Bombay Natural History Society and Conservation Education Centre.[1][11] She has conducted more than hundred tree walks in Maharashtra and Goa.[5][6] Her work has influenced citizen movements for sustainable living.[12][13]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Das, Arti (2022-03-08). "International Women's Day: A woman's place is in … the environment. These women in Goa show the way". Gomantak Times. Retrieved 2024-05-01.
  2. 2.0 2.1 "Appreciating and loving trees | The Navhind Times". 2017-03-02. Retrieved 2024-05-01.
  3. Eve's Weekly. J.C. Jain. 1980.
  4. Research (India), Council of Scientific & Industrial (1969). Technical Manpower.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Two tree chroniclers help Mumbai unearth its natural treasures". The Times of India. 2019-01-02. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-05-01.
  6. 6.0 6.1 "Tree walk held in Porvorim". The Times of India. 2019-09-24. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-05-01.
  7. "Mumbaiwale: How green is your alley?". Hindustan Times. 2018-04-11. Retrieved 2024-05-01.
  8. "Mumbai: With this duo, learning about nature is a walk in the park". Hindustan Times. 2015-03-16. Retrieved 2024-05-01.
  9. "Two tree chroniclers help Mumbai unearth its natural treasures". The Times of India. 2019-01-02. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2025-09-05.
  10. Das, Arti (2023-08-20). "Wild vegetation and 'Shravan' Sundays in Goa". Gomantak Times. Retrieved 2024-05-01.
  11. Telang, Sonali (2018-05-30). "A walk with the nature". The Asian Age. Retrieved 2024-05-01.
  12. "Citizen groups drive people to take responsibility and govt to react". The Times of India. 2019-01-06. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-05-01.
  13. "A call for sustainable living to the future caretakers of the planet". oHeraldo. Retrieved 2024-05-01.