Vijay Thiruvady was one of those rare old Bengalureans who resisted simple categorisation. Though he authored one of the most authoritative books on Lalbagh’s past, calling him just a writer barely scratched the surface. Most knew him for his engaging weekend walks through the historic garden, where his unmatched knowledge of Bengaluru’s flora would leave participants in awe. Remarkably, he wasn’t a trained botanist—his expertise came purely from deep passion and relentless study.

His acclaimed book Lalbagh: Sultan’s Garden to Public Park goes beyond botany. It’s a sweeping historical account—from Tipu Sultan’s era to the influence of visionaries like German horticulturist G.H. Krumbiegel and H.C. Javaraya, Lalbagh’s first Indian superintendent. Thiruvady’s writing is enriched with rare photos and letters, offering readers a multidimensional glimpse into Lalbagh’s transformation.

His earlier work, Heritage Trees, documented 140 of the city’s most venerable trees. Though hard to find now, it’s remembered as a landmark effort in preserving Bengaluru’s natural memory.

Arun Pai, founder of Bangalore Walks and a close associate, recalled their collaboration on tree video documentaries during the Covid years. “He was India’s David Attenborough,” Pai said. “He didn’t just know facts—he knew how to tell them beautifully.” Vijay passed away on August 1, 2023, aged 82.

Even after retiring from oil and gas, Vijay poured himself into leading informative, rain-or-shine walks at Lalbagh, always ending them with breakfast at MTR. Humble and wise, he made complex history feel like a friendly conversation.