A vanajeevi in penury despite green wealth

A relentless campaign to promote social forestry
The septuagenarian received several state and national awards in recognition of his green campaign. He is also a recipient of Vanamitra Award. Academy of Universal Global Peace conferred an honorary doctorate on Ramaiah

Khammam: He is a green activist who is popular as `Vanajeevi’ for his endeavour to promote social forestry. Wearing a copper plate with the proverb `Vruksho Rakshati Rakshitah’ as a crown, Daripalli Ramaiah of Reddypalli village in Khammam rural mandal is constantly on the move as part of his green campaign. His wife Janaki assists him in planting saplings to promote avenue plantation.

The septuagenarian used to visit forests during the summer to collect seeds of different plant species. He starts sowing the seeds on canal and tank bunds and in vacant places with the commencement of monsoon showers. He is putting the proverb `Vruksho Rakshati Rakshitah’ into practice by planting saplings. He scribbles it at every available space during his green campaign to motivate others.

Father of three sons and a daughter, Ramaiah named his granddaughters Chandanapushpa, Haritha Lavanya, Kabandhapushpa and Vanasri reflecting his love for Mother Nature. Though he is poor, he does not hesitate to spend his earnings for his green mission. The septuagenarian received several state and national awards in recognition of his green campaign.

He is also a recipient of Vanamitra Award. Academy of Universal Global Peace conferred an honorary doctorate on Ramaiah. He was also felicitated by NGOs in Delhi for planting one crore saplings. The State government presented a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh to him during the second Telangana Formation Day celebrations.

Ramaiah who has been conducting the green campaign for the past five and half decades, is facing financial problems now as accumulation of wealth is not his aim. He strongly believes in green wealth rather than paper currency. The green activist underwent a heart surgery recently and he needs costly medication. In the absence of assured monthly income, Ramaiah’s family is finding it difficult to make ends meet.

Narrating their poor financial position to The Hans India, Janaki said ``A sum of Rs 500 is needed a day for the medicines of my husband after he underwent the heart surgery. It is good if the government provides more financial aid to us to ensure our comfortable living in the old age.’’

Despite poor health and penury, Ramaiah is determined to continue his green campaign to save Planet Earth from pollution. ``I made several representations to the people’s representatives and the district officials seeking financial aid.

There is no response to my plea for aid. I am striving for promotion of greenery for several decades with a commitment. I will continue to plant saplings till my last breath even if I do not get more financial assistance from the government.’’

Pavan, a private school teacher of the village, said ``Ramaiah will be an inspiration to people if a booklet is brought out on his green mission. It will help ensure the success of Haritha Haram campaign of the state government.’’

By A Nagender