Padma Shri Himanta Ram Bhamu: The Man Who Turned Deserts Green.

When I first met you, there was a feeling of familiarity, a sense of belonging. It seemed like the dream my grandmother had is now being fulfilled.

The world today faces an undeniable environmental crisis. Despite advancements in science, the consequences of environmental degradation are alarming. Rising global temperatures, melting ice caps, and the extinction of wildlife are just some of the catastrophic symptoms we are witnessing.

The root cause? Human negligence.

But in the barren lands of Rajasthan, there’s a story of hope and resilience. Padma Shri Himanta Ram Bhamu, born in Nagaur’s small village of Sukhawasi on February 14, 1954, has devoted his life to saving the environment.

With just a 5th-grade education, his journey as an environmentalist began, inspired by his grandmother. His humble start as a tractor mechanic soon transformed into a lifelong mission—planting and nurturing trees.

Since 1975, Himanta Ram has planted over 7 lakh trees, of which 5 lakh have flourished into full-grown trees. Each year, these trees produce life-saving oxygen worth ₹15 billion. His dedication earned him the prestigious Padma Shri in 2020.

His story began with planting a single peepal tree at the age of 18, following his grandmother's advice. For Himanta Ram, the longevity of trees—far beyond human life—became a reason to plant more.

His efforts were recognized in 2003 with the Rajasthan Amrita Devi Vishnoi Award, and in 2013, he joined the Green India Mission through the Mahavir International Institute in Nagaur, further strengthening his environmental work.

Himanta Ram’s dedication led to the development of a unique agroforestry and biodiversity conservation center. His village, Harima, has become a sanctuary for endangered species like the chinkara.

His work hasn’t gone unnoticed; in 1999, UNESCO honored him, and in 2015, he received the Rajiv Gandhi Environment Award.

The monetary rewards from his awards? He reinvests them into forestry, ensuring every penny goes back into saving the environment.

But he doesn’t stop there. Wherever he goes, Himanta Ram brings a sapling to plant, spreading awareness and inspiring others to follow his lead. His agroforestry model in Harima has attracted numerous students and experts from agricultural universities, keen to learn from his success.

In February 2023, Himanta Ram was awarded the Kabir Kohinoor Award at the International Ambedkar Hall in New Delhi, and in 2024, the Global International Open University of America honored him with an honorary doctorate.

His fight for the environment also includes legal battles; he’s fought 28 cases against poachers, successfully imprisoning 13 of them.

Himanta Ram Bhamu is not just an environmentalist; he’s a beacon of hope in a world struggling with environmental degradation. His life is a lesson for every youth—a reminder that one person’s efforts can change the world.

In the words of the writer: "Let’s change the picture of the world. Let’s create a beautiful scene. Spread the message—come together and save the environment."