M. Shyamkumar under the trees he planted in Palakkad
| Photo Credit: special arrangement
On World Environment Day, M. Shyamkumar of Thenkurissi in Kerala is among Palakkad’s best-known environmental volunteers. He has planted more than 20,000 trees over two decades.An autorickshaw driver, he has also worked closely with birds and is credited by locals with helping save lives during emergencies.His work extends beyond Kerala, with trees planted in Puducherry, Kavaratti, Kochi and Thrissur and he is a regular presence in villages across Palakkad.Mr. Shyamkumar began planting trees while delivering newspapers on a bicycle. A magazine article comparing a tree to “10 virtuous sons” influenced him. “Planting trees is not a big thing, but nurturing them is,” he says.
M. Shyamkumar planting a sapling along with some children.
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