CHENNAI: Mullaivanam cannot sleep if he hasn’t planted at least one sapling a day. No doubt he believes in living up to his name! Christened Mullaivanam (meaning a forest of jasmine flowers), by M K Karunanidhi, during C N Anna Durai’s tenure as chief minister of Tamil Nadu, the 44-year-old is the founder of the Tree Bank, an NGO with 3,500 volunteers across India. He has been planting saplings from the age of 13 has planted over 20 lakh trees to date
“I grew up watching my grandfather planting saplings and taking care of them till they grew to be strong trees,” reminisces Mullaivanam.
How does the Tree Bank work? “If it is your birthday or wedding anniversary or for that matter any felicitation or occasion, just give us a call and we will help you plant a tree is your name,” he says. But there is one condition, “I only do it if I am convinced the person concerned can take care of it,” he adds. The saplings are free, so customers need only reimburse transport, and such sundry expenses. “But if they cannot afford it, it’s alright. I don’t derive any income from this.”
He plants Gulmohar, Neem, Mandharai, Poovara, Arasu, and Asoka trees. “Whenever I plant a tree, I do a soil test first and analyse whether, due to any developmental activities, the tree might get uprooted or cut. I have even planted trees in area outside the state — in Nagpur, Sholapur, Mumbai, Jabalpur,” he explains.
This green crusader also challenges any tree-cutting activities or poor maintenance of a tree. “Just walk down Ambedkar Salai in Villivakkam and see the poor condition of avenue trees there. The area right behind Koyambedu flower market is also in a similar condition. With the metro rail project and many other developmental activities, a lot of greenery in the city is being wiped out,” he sighs. To ensure that his work is continued, he conducts awareness initiatives on global warming and conservation in schools and colleges. “It is very important that youngsters learn about these issues because they can help create a green country and world,” he says.
But all these efforts are shadowed by loss. Apart from missing his grandfather, he also misses his wife, who he lost five years ago. “She would accompany me with tree saplings in hand. Nothing can replace the support she has given me,” he says.
If you want a tree just call 9789892080 or 9382184310 or log on to www.treebankofindia.webs.com or www.gotreebank.webs.com