Jajpur labourer turns the earth green, one sapling at a time
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Bhubaneswar: In a small Jajpur village, the love for nature of a daily wage labourer has transformed the surroundings bit by bit over four decades. Gunthiram Jena, now 65, has single-handedly planted more than 1 lakh saplings over the past 45 years, earning him the moniker of 'Tree Man' among villagers.
Living in a thatched house with his family in Uasahi, Jena's remarkable journey began at 20 when a radio programme about afforestation captured his imagination. "The programme opened my eyes to the importance of trees," recalls Jena, his weathered face breaking into a warm smile. "Since then, planting saplings became my life's purpose."
Despite earning just Rs 400 per day, Jena dedicates a portion of his meagre earnings to purchase ropes and gunny bags for protecting young saplings.
His daily routine involves carrying water from a nearby water body to nurture his mango, jackfruit, coconut, guava, bael and banyan trees.
"I treat the trees like my own children," saids Jena, gently adjusting a tree guard around a young sapling. "Some people questioned my sanity initially, but now they understand the value of what I'm doing."
His dedication hasn't come without personal sacrifice. With three daughters at home, Jena's wife occasionally expresses concern about his spending on tree protection.
However, his unwavering commitment to environmental conservation remains strong, even as age slows his ability to perform regular labour work.
"I may not be wealthy, and my house may be humble," Jena said, adding, "But I'm planting these trees for future generations. That's my legacy."
His 20-year-old daughter Nikita beams with pride when speaking about her father's mission. "He is a true protector of Mother Earth," she said.
"While others talk about environmental protection, my father actually does something about it."
Local organisations have recognised Jena's contributions, presenting him with awards for his environmental stewardship. Yet, he remains humble focusing on his daily ritual of planting and nurturing saplings.
As the sun sets, Jena can be seen tending to his latest saplings, his silhouette merging with the trees he planted over the decades. His story serves as a powerful reminder that one person's dedication can make a significant difference in the world, regardless of their circumstances.
"I never get bored of this work," Jena said, his eyes twinkling. "Each sapling I plant brings me joy and hope for tomorrow."
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