Vadivel Gopal
Vadivel Gopal | |
|---|---|
| Occupations | Snake catcher Conservationist |
| Known for | Traditional snake catching for antivenom production |
| Awards | Padma Shri (2023) |
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, used for 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 is a member of the Irula Snake Catchers' Industrial Cooperative Society, which plays a vital role in supplying venom to laboratories across India that produce antivenom.[4] In 2017, Gopal traveled with Sadaiyan to Florida, United States, to help train local wildlife officials in catching invasive Burmese pythons.[5]
See also
References
- ^ "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.