The Desk News : Sub Editor: Daripalli Ramaiah, widely known as “Vanajeevi Ramaiah,” was a prominent environmentalist from Telangana, India.The nickname “Vanajeevi” is derived from Telugu, where “vana” means forest and “jeevi” implies life or dweller. It likely translates to “forest dweller” or “life of the forest,” reflecting his deep commitment to nature.He was a native of Reddypalli village in Khammam District, Telangana, which grounded his work in a rural context.At the time of his death, he was 87 years old, indicating a long life dedicated to his cause.Passing:Ramaiah passed away on a Saturday due to a heart attack, a sudden medical event.His death occurred in Khammam District, his home region, connecting his life’s work and end to the same place.Achievements:Ramaiah’s most notable contribution was planting over 1 crore (10 million) saplings, a monumental effort in afforestation (the process of planting trees to create forests).This scale of tree planting was extraordinary, earning him recognition for setting a “new record.” The term suggests his work was unprecedented in its scope, likely in terms of the sheer number of trees or their impact on the environment.His efforts contributed significantly to environmental conservation, helping combat issues like deforestation, climate change, and soil erosion while promoting biodiversity.Recognition:In 2017, Ramaiah was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, conferred by the Central Government (referred to as “the Centre” in Indian parlance).The Padma Shri is given for distinguished contributions in various fields, and in Ramaiah’s case, it celebrated his environmental work at a grassroots level, recognizing how an individual from a rural background could make a national impact.
