“Road accidents, heart stroke, physical threats, and whatnot. I have experienced everything in life so far. But my determination towards tree planting never fades.

My name is Daripalli Ramaiah and people affectionately address me as Vanajeevi (treeman). My purpose is to see that every sapling that I plant survives. Even if one plant wilts and dies, I feel as if I have lost my life. My work every day is to plant saplings and seeds on empty barren lands. I am dedicated to it till my last breath. Wherever I find barren land in my area, I plant a sapling or a seed and water it in the right manner. Of course, I do it consciously keeping the government norms and roads in mind.

Earlier, I used to pedal several kilometers to a barren spot where I could plant saplings and sow seeds. Now as I am getting older, I am walking or going on my scooter to plant saplings. I have never shared this earlier but I am grateful to my wife for her immense support and trust all throughout my journey so far. We both got married at a young age and there was never a day when she questioned my work. She has joined me in my movement wholeheartedly and we have dedicated our time to mother nature. Whenever we go out, we wear a board around our necks like a scarf with the slogan: “Vriksho Rakshati Rakshitaha” which means if you save trees, trees will save you.

I can’t recollect the exact number but to date, I have planted more than 1.2 crore saplings across Khammam and Bhadrachalam road with the support of my wife, and volunteers.

I was bestowed with the honorary Padma Shri award for the year 2017 based on my contribution in extending tree cover in the country. My responsibility has certainly gone up with the Padma Shri award.

I am currently juggling a busy routine of planting saplings and spending time with my grandchildren whom I love the most. I aim to motivate people to plant more and protect the environment as much as I can in this limited time which I have in life.”