Ranchi, Jharkhand
Ravi Kumar Nishad, popularly known as “The TreeMan,” was honoured and blessed by Hon’ble Cabinet Minister Shri Chamra Linda, Minister for the Scheduled Tribe Welfare Department, in recognition of his dedicated efforts towards environmental conservation, agriculture, tribal welfare, and social service.
On the occasion, Jai Dharti Maa Foundation presented the Hon’ble Minister with a sapling of the world-famous Miyazaki mango as a symbol of environmental awareness, sustainable agriculture, and the importance of preserving nature for future generations. Special gratitude was expressed to the Minister by Shiv Oraon, Shri Umesh Soni, and Shri Shambhu Sir for his encouragement and support.
Speaking about Ravi Kumar Nishad’s journey, Cabinet Minister Shri Chamra Linda highlighted the inspiring story of a man who rose from the soil of Dhanbad to become an environmental campaigner. He described Ravi Kumar Nishad as an example of how determination, dedication, and a deep connection with nature can create meaningful change in society.
A Journey Born from a Commitment to Nature
Around 15 years ago, Ravi Kumar Nishad witnessed the environmental challenges faced by Dhanbad, a city known for its coal industry. Concerned about increasing pollution, declining greenery, and the difficulties faced by farmers, he decided to dedicate himself to environmental protection and sustainable agriculture.
In 2011, he established the Jai Dharti Maa initiative with a vision of making Dhanbad greener and creating greater awareness about environmental conservation.
During the monsoon of 2011, he launched the ambitious “1 Crore Tree Plantation Mega Campaign.” With the support of the foundation’s team and thousands of volunteers, 317,845 saplings have reportedly been planted on the ground by 2026.
What began as an individual commitment gradually developed into a larger environmental movement. Today, more than 12,000 “Paryavaran Mitras” (environment friends) are associated with the initiative, including farmers, students, homemakers, workers, and other members of society. The campaign promotes the philosophy of “One Tree, One Responsibility,” encouraging people not only to plant trees but also to take responsibility for their long-term protection.
More than 113 organisations have also joined hands with the foundation to support its plantation and environmental initiatives.
Nature Above Caste and Religion
One of the distinctive aspects of Ravi Kumar Nishad’s environmental mission is his effort to make plantation a symbol of social harmony. Trees have been planted in government school campuses, temple premises, mosque lands, cremation grounds, panchayat buildings, and along ponds and public spaces.
His message is simple: “Oxygen does not see Hindu or Muslim.”
Through this approach, environmental conservation has become a means of bringing communities together while creating greener public spaces.
Promoting Agriculture and Rural Self-Reliance
Alongside environmental work, Jai Dharti Maa Foundation has also focused on natural farming, agricultural education, tribal upliftment, and rural employment. The organisation has been working to provide practical agricultural knowledge to farmers and encourage sustainable cultivation methods.
Ravi Kumar Nishad’s initiatives have also attracted attention from students and agricultural enthusiasts, while women’s groups have been encouraged to participate in nursery activities and generate livelihood opportunities.
Recognition and National-Level Appreciation
According to Shri Vijay Kumar Gupta, National General Secretary of Jai Dharti Maa Foundation, the organisation’s 15 years of dedicated work in the national interest have received recognition at various levels.
The foundation states that its work has been associated with a Padma Shri Award 2027 nomination, Bharat Vibhushan honour in Delhi, five international recognitions, four national honours, and more than 410 state-level and district-level recognitions.
The journey of Ravi Kumar Nishad and Jai Dharti Maa Foundation represents a continued effort to transform Dhanbad’s identity from merely a “Coal City” to a city with a strong green and agricultural vision.
With thousands of environmental volunteers, extensive plantation efforts, agricultural training programmes, and a commitment to rural and tribal empowerment, The TreeMan’s mission of serving Mother Earth continues with renewed determination.
