Vadivel Gopal

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Vadivel Gopal
Vadivel Gopal (cropped).jpg
Occupation(s)Snake catcher
Conservationist
Known forTraditional 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

  1. ↑ "Padma Awards 2023 announced". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
  2. ↑ Srimathi, Geetha (2023-02-02). "Bravehearts Vadivel and Sadaiyan shine a light for Irula cooperative". The Hindu. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
  3. ↑ Chaitanya, SV Krishna (2023-01-28). "Irula Padma Shri awardees in TN caught in trap". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
  4. ↑ "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.
  5. ↑ "The Indian tribesmen catching giant snakes in Florida". BBC News. 2017-02-06. Retrieved 2025-06-15.
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