Vamsi Krishna, now a third-year mechanical engineering student from GITAM University, Hyderabad, had a lot of free time when he made the transition from pre-university to college. Born out of this boredom was his engagement with Planet 3 Protection Alliance, an NGO which seeks to improve the environment by planting more trees and addressing other environmental problems that affect the society.
“I had a huge role to play with Harithon, a green run which was organised in a big way in Hyderabad last month, with the support of the Telangana government. We also regularly go on plantation drives in botanical gardens, municipal areas and schools,” shares the 21-year-old.
Commitment and determination are attributes that singles out the organisation from the rest, feels Vamsi. “Most people just plant trees during these plantation drives and later forget about it. However, for us it’s more than just a photo-op, and we also make sure that the trees grow properly. We constantly keep a check on them and make sure they are watered,” explains Vamsi, passionately.
Having been exposed to greenery since childhood, Vamsi concedes he was always passionate about the environment and was driven to do something to enhance greenery in his surroundings. “My father was part of the Airports Authority of India, so the place we lived was surrounded by a lot of trees and parks. So when I came to live in a hostel, I missed the greenery and decided to do something about it. Apart from going on plantation drives, I also try and spread awareness about the environment and ask people to plant more trees,” he explains.
Even as he tries to juggle between his work and his academics, the young Hyderabadi says one does not come in the way of the other. “Though I had to miss a few days for Harithon, the experience was completely worthwhile,” he says, with a smile.
— suhas@newindianexpress.com