“Even if a person passes away, if the trees he planted live, he is still alive.” The one who proved this truth with his life is 'Maram' Karunanidhi, from Sangeethamangalam village, Viluppuram district. ‘Maram’ Karunanidhi.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!On August 1, the man who loved nature as his life left us. But the green footprints he created will not perish. The trees he planted, the thoughts he sowed, and the people he encouraged will always keep him in memory.
Karunanidhi was not just an environmental activist. He was a movement. An awareness. A life lesson. He was an activist who didn't just talk about trees, but planted, nurtured, and protected them.
The green journey that began while he was a driver
His green journey began during his time as a driver in the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation. Traveling daily through many villages, roads, and fields, he closely enjoyed the beauty of nature. At the same time, he painfully observed the decreasing number of trees.
That pain motivated him to act. “Someone will do it” He did not wait. “I must start” He decided. That became a turning point that changed his life.
Half of the salary... for trees!
Many people spend their income on their families. Karunanidhi gave a new meaning to that. He allocated a large part of his salary to buy saplings. He planted them, watered them, protected them, and grew them into large trees.
Not only that, he provided saplings for free to anyone who asked. His aim was for trees to grow. It didn't matter to him whose land they grew on.
This dedication made people ‘Maram’ Karunanidhi call him affectionately.
Five lakh trees... a man's achievement
Planting a tree is easy. But growing it alive is a challenging task. Karunanidhi accepted that challenge throughout his life.
The number of trees he planted and nurtured would have exceeded five lakhs. His aim was not the number. Therefore, he did not have statistics for it. But the trees he grew stand as witnesses. Thousands of days of labor. Countless journeys. Incalculable sacrifices. Immeasurable love for nature... he saw every tree as his own child. He found true happiness in watching those trees grow.
A disciple who brought G. Nammalvar's thought to life
The thoughts of natural agricultural scientist G. Nammalvar had a profound impact on Karunanidhi's life. He understood that tree planting not only protects the environment; but also society and the economy, as an investment.
That's why wherever he went, he spoke only about tree planting. He continuously urged people to bury seeds in the soil instead of throwing them away after eating fruits.
Furthermore, he put forward the idea that families where girl children are born should plant sandalwood trees. His thought that the tree would help with the child's education or future needs as it grows, is a far-sighted vision that connected environment and social welfare.
The man behind a historical event
On January 27, 2013, in Kaithandalam village, Kanchipuram district, ‘Pasumai Vikatan’ மற்றும் ‘Ezhilcholai Foundation’ jointly organized a grand tree planting seminar.
This was one of the pioneering events for the tree planting movements conducted by many organizations in Tamil Nadu today. Maram Karunanidhi was a key person among those who worked selflessly behind the scenes for the success of that event.
It was at that event that a deep friendship formed between him and ‘Ezhilcholai’ Masilamani. This friendship continued for many years. Masilamani played a significant role in ensuring that Karunanidhi, who suffered from ill health for the past few years, received necessary medical aid and was cared for attentively.
Karunanidhi I saw
Maram Karunanidhi also holds a special place in my journalistic journey.
He was the one who personally took me to many villages. He encouraged me to meet farmers and record their success stories. He had a great concern that people should know good news.
He would regularly read the articles I wrote. If he liked them, he would praise them wholeheartedly. If there was a difference of opinion, he would criticize without hesitation. Therefore, he was not just a reader; he was also a thought-provoking teacher.
It was his habit to read newspapers and agricultural magazines daily. He was always keen to learn new information.
One who chose the ideal over recognition
Karunanidhi would speak directly what was on his mind. That outspoken nature might have sometimes delayed the recognition he deserved.
However, he never worried about it. He believed that trees were a greater achievement than awards. That is why, even after retirement, he dedicated his full time to tree planting.
For him, life meant trees. Trees meant life.
‘Regarding ’Tree” Karunanidhi, Vivekanandan of Seva NGO from Madurai recalls, ‘25 years ago, ’Tree” Karunanidhi started an awareness campaign in the Sangeethamangalam area about tree planting, herbal medicine for livestock, organic farming... I have also participated in the events he organized. He even invited organic agricultural scientist G. Nammalvar to his area to speak. He worked in collaboration with our Grassroots Innovators Association," he stated.
The true tribute we owe him
Today, 'Tree' Karunanidhi is not among us. But every tree he planted speaks of his life. The people resting in their shade, the birds nesting in their branches, and the children breathing the pure air these trees provide are living testimonies to his service.
Therefore, shedding tears on the day we remember him is not enough. We must take at least one step on the path he showed. We must plant a sapling and nurture it to life. That is the greatest respect we can pay him.
‘Tree’ Karunanidhi might have merged with nature today. But the greenery he sowed will live forever on this earth. In every moment the leaves of the trees rustle, nature will quietly utter his name.
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Founder & Editor – Tamil Nature , Professor of Practice – தமிழ்நாடு வேளாண்மைப் பல்கலைக்கழகம், பசுமை விகடன் இதழின் மேனாள் இதழாசிரியர்.
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