REMEMBERING TARA

Dear Tara

The entire Greenpeace family will miss your calm, reassuring presence.

I for one, as one of the founder members and directors of Greenpeace India, relied so much on your insights, practical interventions and suggestions. 

These were especially critical at the various times of crisis we faced over the years. 

The organisation will continue to draw on those going forward. 

RIP Tara 

Lalita Ramdas,
Founding member of Greenpeace India

The news of Tara passing away is v.v. sad. For many years we were together on the Greenpeace India Board, and her commitment, honest and quiet questioning and probing, and streaks of humour were infectious. Not only the Greenpeace family but also the world of social action, sensitive architecture and heritage, and much else, will feel the void.

Ashish Kothari,
Environmentalist and Author

I have never met a more practical and down to earth person. Tara was upright and unwavering in her principles. 

Leela Samson,
Dancer, Choreographer, Writer and Actor

I saw the news, and something in me just sank. She was a steady, gentle and committed fighter, engaging with ease with all kinds of people. I really, really liked her spirit and her sense of maintaining conversations with diverse points of view. A life well lived. Could have been longer, but I’m sure she has touched the lives of younger people and inspired them to live well.

A Greenpeace friend

Obviously, one knew that this day would come where Tara would have gone back to where she came, whatever that means. 

Tara will be missed, more accurately her silent strength, smiling face, quick to please attitude/compassion will be missed. I am reminded of a few instances: 

1) Many years back when we were informed that we needed to be more prepared on the legal front for the Board members, Tara quickly volunteered to help.

2) In the days when Greenpeace India was facing many external challenges, she was a woman with a mission, helping with finding a new Executive Director and stating clearly that if GPIS had to be represented before any authorities, she would come along. Her failing health or frail body was not a deterrent. 

3) At one point when the bank accounts were frozen and staff salaries could not be paid, she said quite casually and with all sincerity (her hallmark) that she had a ‘friend’ who will ‘loan’ Rs 25 lakhs for this purpose. What an offer! It did not need a genius to know that the chances of the money being returned were low. 

I feel privileged and see it as a blessing that I met Tara thanks to Greenpeace India. Clearly, Tara was the silver lining on the khakra cloud 

I’ll miss her and hope, wish and feel that she will be in a better place. Before I sign off, I am reminded of her sharp mind and deep interest in Greenpeace India raising questions not just on the HR front but also on the financials – quite impressive. 

Navaz Currimbhoy,
Board Member, Greenpeace India Society

Tara was a guiding light for Greenpeace for more than a decade. During our difficult times when we had to downsize and cut down operations due to external attacks she stood by us with steadfast determination and gave us strength. I recollect her immense affection for all staff and board members and total involvement with the team members. She was always ready to give her advice on many matters which the organisation had to face all these years. Our Board meetings at India office were memorable since she prepared well and sought details from the management which was good for Greenpeace India. May her soul rest in eternal peace. We shall miss you Tara

Biswajit Mohanty,
Board Member

Very sad to know about Taraji.

I will miss her a lot. I distinctly remember her as the one who expressed her views unhesitatingly  and clearly, particularly at the time when there were differing opinions and it was difficult to come to any conclusion. Her deep theoretical knowledge matched with her ground experience helped us come to an agreement and draw conclusions during Greenpeace meetings. Her going is felt all the more as the world is witnessing unprecedented ecological and climate crises. I also remember how warm she was and it was so easy for all of us to relate to her.

Yes, she will be missed a lot.

Nandini

Tara Murali was an extraordinary woman, deeply passionate about causes like environmental protection and nation-building, as envisioned in the Preamble of our Constitution. It is rare to find individuals who so completely embody and uphold constitutional values in both their personal and public lives – Tara was truly one of them. She was a leader in every sense. Her clarity of thought was always evident in her firm words and decisive actions. She never hesitated to speak out against thoughtless decisions, especially when they impacted the larger community. She served as a constant corrective force, guiding us with wisdom and conviction.

Even during times of personal health challenges, Tara remained committed to our collective work. She continued to attend meetings and contribute meaningfully, always putting the needs of the organization above her own.

I had promised myself I would visit her at home during my next trip to Chennai. I couldn’t fulfill that promise—and that feels like a profound personal loss. Tara’s absence leaves a void that will be hard to fill. Her legacy, however, will continue to inspire us.

Harish Vasudevan,
Environment Lawyer and Board Member

I feel the loss of Tara and remember her well for relentlessly pursuing a direction with clarity.
Greenpeace has lost a friend and so have many of us

G Gautama

A tribute to a colleague who raised the bar, with a gentle human touch. 

It was a shock to learn that our dear Tara Murali is no more. So untimely, so unexpected and such a big loss.  

As a senior colleague in the board of Greenpeace India, she was always an inspiration – by her meticulous preparation, complete dedication to see that the organisation we were guiding makes course corrections, navigates the challenges with conviction that she brought in, that it takes the best course of action. She always raised the standards for a board member by being an example herself, while keeping herself out of the focus. 

In her death, we lost a rare and extremely valuable leader. 

With deep respects and fond memories of working together on the Greenpeace India board 

Soumya Dutta,
Activist,
Researcher, Author

Tara was such a warm and at the same time, a feisty person. I will miss her greatly.

Paranjoy Guha Thakurta,
Journalist,
Writer,
Documentary Filmmaker & Teacher