Green crusader's life included in lesson for schoolchildren

Khammam: The Department of School Education in the State has introduced a lesson in Class VI textbook on Padmasri Vanajeevi Ramaiah, who is known for his efforts in spreading green cover and creating environmental awareness.

The lesson 'Greenery in Telangana' was introduced in Class VI Social Studies textbooks both in English and Telugu this year. The chapter talks about Ramaiah's tremendous contributions towards increasing green cover in the State.

"Ramaiah aged 70 years has transformed the famous slogan--Plant a tree and save a life--into action rather than lecturing the benefits of planting saplings. He truly recognised the need to plant saplings to save our environment. He not only planted saplings but nurtured them," a short note on Ramaiah said.

Meanwhile, Ramaiah, unmindful of his age, continues his work of collecting seeds and spreading them in isolated places and by the sides of roads in Khammam and other places. The green cover on the road from Kachirajugudem in Khammam rural mandal to Khammam city is seen because of his efforts.

"It is really a good step taken by the State government in honouring the work done by Ramaiah in spreading green cover and environmental awareness among people," opined Ch Narasimha Rao, a teacher from a government school in the district.

Rao said they would soon invite Ramaiah to address the students at their school regarding the need of growing and protecting trees. The students can learn many things by interacting with him, he added.