Khammam, November 25: The 70-year-old Daripalli Ramaiah hails from Reddipalle village in Khammam district of Telengana state. Bestowed with the prestigious Padma Shri Award in 2017 by the Government of India for his outstanding contribution in the realms of forestry, he is a man who wishes to bring back the lost greenery of Mother Earth. In his quest to promote afforestation, Ramaiah has reportedly planted more than a crore saplings in and around Khammam district in Telangana state of Southern India.

Being a campaigner of social forestry and forest conservation for more than five decades, Ramaiah has received various awards for his work, including the Seva Award (1995), Padma Shri (2017), besides an honorary doctorate by Academy of Universal Global Peace. His dedication towards trees has earned him the title of ‘Chettu’ (tree) Ramaiah or Vanajeevi (forestor) Ramaiah.

It all started when Ramaiah took part in a plantation drive along with his wife Janamma. The couple mainly planted shady and fruit bearing plants which possess environmental and economic benefits for society. Since then there has been no looking back for him. The close association of Ramaiah with trees can be gauged from the fact that despite not being formally educated, he has read many books on forestry and afforestation.

Ramaiah plants trees wherever he sees a vacant space or land. He carries seeds in his pocket wherever he goes. Through his sincere efforts, many wastelands are now lush green terrains. Ramaiah uses the money received from people to procure more plants. He collects seeds and raises a nursery of red sanders which are later distributed free of cost among people for plantation.

The life of Daripalli Ramaiah is a tall-standing example of how man and nature and intertwined with one another. He is one of those rare gifted souls who thrive to make this world a better place for others through selfless activities and sincere efforts. Ramaiah or Tree Ramaiah is an inspiration for all those who wish to make a difference by conserving and protecting trees and mother earth.