 In the process he has become knowledgeable and productive in helping ensure his peoples' hard won living.In 2003, he was appointed a member of the 'National Forest Commission', which reviewed all existing policies and legal frameworks relating to forest management, and submitted its report to the Government in 2005.UNDP Global 500
Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership 1982
Padma Shri 1986 
Padma Bhushan 2005 
Awarded Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2013 on 15 July 2014 by The President of India
Sri Sathya Sai Award for human excellence 2016 in the category Environment by Sri Sathya Sai Lok Seva Trust