Chennai: Every year during summer, we all sulkabout how it is getting hotter when compared to the previous year and stop at that. But what we are facing now will become worse in the next two years. So, we should do something about it today. It hit me seven years ago, and I quit my full-time job to grow trees along the streets. I have planted nd nurtured over 1.5 lakh trees Tirunindravur and Ambattur so far, while simultaneously working at a firm part-time.
Most of my saplings, like Malai Vembu, have medicinal value. I raise them in my home in Avadi until they grow about six feet and then transplant them on streets, so that they are not uprooted easily. I want people to come forward to plant at least one tree and nurture it. So, I have been carrying out a campaign on my bike and visiting different places across the city, meeting people and telling them the importance of preserving trees.
I don’t take more than a minute with a person, but they will go back with the conviction to plant a tree. The way I approach people depends on whom I’m addressing – kids, students, youngsters or the elderly. I must say that most people have been welcoming. Many have encouraged me to carry on with my campaign. Recently, I happened to meet actor Vijay Sethupathi at an event and I told him to talk about tree plantation in one of his movies. He accepted my request with a smile. So, those who have not spotted me yet will do so in the coming weeks. Believe me, I will not take more tha a minute with you.