This Independence Day, one of Jharkhand's most inspiring women will grace the dinner table at Rashtrapati Bhavan, and she's no ordinary guest. Known across the nation as 'Lady Tarzan', Jamuna Tudu has turned her fight for forests into a movement, proving that courage and determination can bloom even in the most challenging circumstances.
Who is Lady Tarzan & her journey
Jamuna Tudu’s story is one of grit and unshakable love for nature. A Padma Shri awardee, she first made headlines for fearlessly taking on deforestation and illegal logging in her region.
Armed with nothing more than a stick, she would patrol the forests near her home, confronting timber mafias and raising awareness about the dangers of reckless deforestation. She rallied her fellow villagers, especially women, to join her cause, eventually building a grassroots army of forest guardians.
Tudu's activism was not without risk. She faced threats, intimidation, and even life-threatening attacks from those profiting off the illegal timber trade. Yet, she never hesitated. Instead, she stood her ground, confronting exploiters head-on, determined to protect the land and trees she considered family.
Coming from humble beginnings, with her husband working as a mason and herself a daily wage labourer, Tudu’s journey is a testament to what relentless commitment can achieve.
Why 'Lady Tarzan'?
Her unmatched energy, fearlessness, and deep connection with the forests earned her the nickname ‘Lady Tarzan’. Today, she stands as a symbol of grassroots environmental activism in India, a reminder that one voice, when unwavering, can awaken many.
