This Tamil Nadu man turns 100 acres of barren land to an indigenous forest

This is the story of D. Saravanan, a true environmentalist at heart, who dedicated nearly 25 years of his life to turning barren land into a green luscious forest spread over 100 acres, now known as the Aranya Forest and Sanctuary in Poothurai village, Tamil Nadu.
Born into a small farmer family near Villupuram district in Tamil Nadu, Saravanan always had a special connection with nature. At the age of 14, he participated in the 100-day march for the ‘Save the Western Ghats’ rally which deeply influenced his path in life.
After being active as an environmentalist in his youth days, Saravanan took up the project in Auroville in the year 1994. And with the help of the residents, students and the local community, Saravanan decided to grow a 100 acre of land into an Indigenous forest. It was not an easy task, from bringing water into the land, nourishing the soil, collecting rare local seeds, fighting poachers and planting thousands of trees on barren land. Saravanan dedicated 30 years of his life, sweat and dreams to what we today call Aranya Forest and Sanctuary.
Thanks to his exemplary work and dedication, the forest has 700 species of indigenous plants like Diospyrus Melanoxylon, Gloriosa superba, Memecylon Umbellatum and Derris Ovalifolia. The forest is also home to six man-made water bodies and pristine ravines.
Saravanan now dedicates his time to planting more trees, taking care of the forest and providing education to the local community and students about the importance of Indigenous forests.
A true environmentalist at heart, Saravanan truly believes that we are just the are takers of the earth and when it's time, it is our responsibility to hand over this planet to the next generation.
Video credits:
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Direction/ DOP/ Script/ Editing : Midhun Vijayan
Graphics: Sunny Gautam

Executive Producer: Arnab Pratim Dutta
Managing producer: Joel Michael

[anujkumarsingh]

Nominate him for Padma Shri.... Real hero should get recognition for their work.

[jahnaveebarkakati]

Jadav Payeng in Assam has planted his forest of over 1, 300 acres single handedly in his lifetime. Heroes like these two are first defenders, protecting the Earth from climate change. They both should receive Bharat Ratna and all right thinking people need to follow their example or give support.

[manjunath]

Minister of Environment, Forest Officers should learn from this man. People like him will solve water crisis, heat waves, drought in India.

[TamilEelam]

Good work! This is the compassion of Tamils to our land!

[sanchitsingh]

Growing 100 acre forest with no top soil and even sustaining the forest further man there should be 21 gun salute to you along with padma awards!!! Hat's off to your hard work patience dedication and perseverance!! Thank you sir for saving mother nature!! From Uttar Pradesh

[surudog]

He lives closes to my village and I could understand him speaking Tamil. What he has accomplished is no small feat. It is very hard and needs a lot of patience, perseverance and dedication along with personal sacrifices. Cheers to him and he deserves a Padma Shri for his achievement and wanting to teach others about it. He made our Tamil people proud. Jai Hind.

[sawantraja]

There are stories of a single man who turned barren land into a forest but never media covered a single, but these stories should reaches to masses.

[SobersRajakumar]

Proud of our Tamil brother saving the earth in his own way

[prashantdevadiga]

These are the real citizens of our nation who must be awarded the highest honours of the land, not those useless actors. Salute to those unsung heros of India. Great change makers and a Great Inspiration for today's youth. Jai Hind.

[Sunj]

This man is a true hero. I cant thank him enough for his life work. We often think of charity to people as a way to serve God. By creating a forest, he is not just caring for humans but millions of other species that will thrive in his forest. What better way to serve God than to care for his creation. Government should take steps to protect this forest forever. Designate it as a nature reserve??

[lohith_sai]

"This is not even a peanut to save our future"- Such realistic words
Hats off for your dedication & love towards our Environment
Special respect to your family for having accepting your mission & change themselves for an inclusive effort

[sundarmann]

He did what no politicians can do. Humanity deserves people like Saravanan. A real life hero!

[swami]

Sanctity in this world still exists because of people like you.. Thank you

[officialcoronavirus]

This is beyond this world. This man truely understood the problems faced by earth and dedicated 30 years of his life growing a forest. He is a perfect example for others. Thank you team. I will definitely grow plants where, and whenever possible.

[purnimarana]

I want to do this in my lifetime. Really craving to create a forest

[manjeetshahare]

MINIATURE FORESTS - I hope that it is possible for Govt and large land owner families could create such miniature forests say from 5 acre to 100 acre everywhere in our country from now....within 10-15 years ...carbon footprints will certainly go down. I vote for Bharat Ratna to this great and humble man from Tamilnad

[duniagiana]

Well this is way beyond amazing. Salute to Dr. Saravanan from an Indonesian man🙏

[divyals]

This man is a gift from the Almighty. May his effort last for centuries!

[Purrringcat]

Give this man a honorary award! This should be everyone's passion, growing plants and also food for yourself, being self sustainable and helping nature. I've found my purpose I guess, I want to live like him...

[maxmillion]

Indian Deities bless Him , supporting Him all the Way . Thank You 17/6/2022 .