Peepal Baba, a moniker inspired by the sacred Peepal tree, is no ordinary man. As an ardent environmentalist, his life is dedicated to the preservation and propagation of India’s green cover. Over the years, he has successfully nurtured over twenty million trees across the country, becoming an unsung hero in the fight against environmental degradation.
Early Life
Peepal Baba, originally named Azad Jain, was born in 1966 in Chandigarh. His initial education took place in Dehradun, where he attended Cambrian Hall. Following this, he pursued a Master of Arts in English Literature, Astrology, Yoga, Meditation, Counseling, and Spiritual Teaching at Savitribai Phule Pune University from 1986 to 1989.
The seeds of his love for the environment were sown early in life. As a child, his maternal grandmother taught him about the importance of trees for human survival. However, the turning point came when a school teacher inspired him to take up tree planting as a personal mission. The teacher’s words
“One person should plant at least 20 trees, only then the damage to the environment can be reversed.” esonated deeply with young Azad, triggering the start of his lifelong journey as an environmentalist.
The Birth of ‘Peepal Baba’
The name ‘Peepal Baba’ was not an immediate adoption but rather an outcome of his relentless efforts to plant and preserve Peepal trees across India. His first tree planting act was on 26th January 1977, when he planted a sapling on Range Hills Road at Kirkee Military Station, Pune, Maharashtra.
His passion for planting trees soon transformed into a community movement when he started a hobby club named ‘Give Me Trees’. The club encouraged people to plant trees and take care of them. Over time, the hobby club grew into a trust, making significant contributions to environmental conservation efforts across India.
Give Me Trees: A Green Revolution
Give Me Trees, under the leadership of Peepal Baba, has grown to become a significant force in the environmental conservation sector in India. It has successfully planted over 1.25 million trees across the country, with a focus on native species such as Banyan, Pilkhan, Jamun, Mango, Neem, Sheesham, and Babool, among others.
The trust, comprising over 11,000 volunteers, not only plants trees but also ensures their survival by regularly monitoring and conserving the saplings planted in various public and private areas. They also organise environmental awareness campaigns at schools and colleges and promote organic farming as part of their activities.
Family and Personal Life
Peepal Baba was born into a Jain family. His father, K. C. Jain, served as a doctor in the Indian Army. He also has a sister named Bharti Chopra, who is a doctor. Peepal Baba is married to Sangeeta Jain, and together, they have a daughter named Tanvi Jain.
Despite his busy schedule and commitment to environmental welfare, Peepal Baba ensures to balance his personal and professional life. He is often seen spending quality time with his family, showcasing a beautiful blend of personal commitment and environmental passion.
Recognition and Achievements
Peepal Baba’s tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed. His work has been recognized at various platforms, including TEDx Talks, where he was invited multiple times to share his experiences and vision. His unique approach to environmental conservation, coupled with his dedication and passion, has made him a revered figure in the field of environmental conservation.
A Man of Many Interests
Beyond his environmental endeavors, Peepal Baba is also an avid reader and a motorcycle enthusiast. He enjoys traveling on his motorcycles and has a collection of them, including a Royal Enfield. He is also known to be a tea lover and often shares pictures with street dogs, showcasing his love for animals.
A Vision for a Greener Future
Peepal Baba’s vision extends beyond merely planting trees. He aims to create a sustainable and environmentally healthy future for the coming generations. He believes in the power of community participation in bringing about significant environmental change and encourages everyone to contribute to the cause.
“The ultimate goal is to make our planet a better place to live, one which has clean air, a lot of green cover. Tree plantation is simply not a one-day activity; it needs to be a part of our daily ritual. I urge everyone to come forward and do this green good deed for their children, for the future generations.”
Peepal Baba’s story is a testament to the power of individual actions in bringing about significant changes. His work reiterates that every individual can contribute to the fight against environmental degradation, one tree at a time.
