Vadivel Gopal
Vadivel Gopal | |
|---|---|
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| Occupation(s) | Snake catcher Conservationist |
| Known for | Traditional snake catching for antivenom production |
| Partner | Masi Sadaiyan |
| Awards | Padma Shri (2024) |
Vadivel Gopal is an Indian snake catcher from the Irula tribe of Tamil Nadu.[1] He is known for his expertise in catching venomous snakes, a skill crucial for the production of life-saving antivenom.[2] Along with his long-time collaborator Masi Sadaiyan, he was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, in 2023 for his contributions to social work in the field of healthcare.[3]
Gopal and Sadaiyan are members of the Irula Snake Catchers' Industrial Cooperative Society, which plays a vital role in supplying venom to laboratories that produce antivenom.[4] Their traditional and highly skilled methods of tracking and capturing snakes have been recognized not only in India but also internationally. In 2017, they were invited to Florida, United States, to help train local wildlife officials in catching invasive Burmese pythons.[5]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Padma Awards 2023 announced". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ Srimathi, Geetha (2023-02-02). "Bravehearts Vadivel and Sadaiyan shine a light for Irula cooperative". The Hindu. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ Chaitanya, SV Krishna (2023-01-28). "Irula Padma Shri awardees in TN caught in trap". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ "Vadivel Gopal and Masi Sadaiyan From the Irula Tribe Won the Padma Shri. Only Calling Them 'Snake Catchers' Reinforces Caste Stereotypes". www.theswaddle.com. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
- ^ "The Indian tribesmen catching giant snakes in Florida". BBC News. 2017-02-06. Retrieved 2025-06-15.