Thiruvambady: P J Thomas of Thiruvambady has been honoured with the Kshoni Samrakshana award, instituted by the State Agriculture Department for exemplary efforts in soil and water conservation. He has earned this recognition for transforming his property into a biodiversity garden.

His rare plant collection is remarkable, which comprises about 90 species of aquatic plants, a butterfly garden, a `star garden' featuring 27 plant varieties linked to human birth stars, 25 types of tulsi and 50 varieties of bamboo.

A retired teacher from Koodathayi St Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Thomas is passionate about nature and biodiversity. His aquatic plant collection includes an array of aquatic plants including Singapore payal, Brahmi Vayambu (Indian Pennywort) and Kinar Vazha, which is a natural water purifier. He also cultivates turmeric tulsi, lemon tulsi, peppermint and conserves rare medicinal plants traditionally believed to have been used by sages such as Kamandalavam, bark berry plant, saffron, Krishanal, Soppoomaram, and Andaman paddock 

Thomas is also safeguarding endangered species like Chora pine, Padalodan Njara, Karanjaara, Kattu Ashokam, Kakka karimaram, Malamanchady and Kurangu plavu. His bamboo collection ranges from bush bamboo , which is the smallest bamboo variety in the world, to the majestic elephant bamboo.

His farm also nurtures a Miyawaki forest with wild species such as the blue marble tree, ball-shaped pine, wild grape, aromatic neem, sandalwood, red clover, pansy, and pali. Over the years, Thomas has received 10 State awards for his dedicated biodiversity conservation efforts.