Environmentalist and afforestation expert R.K. Nair talks on “My Planet, My Pride” at a programme in Moodbidri on Monday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Environmentalist and afforestation expert R.K. Nair on Monday said that human beings utilise nature’s resources every second of their lives without adequately replenishing them.He was talking on “My Planet, My Pride” at a programme organised by the Rostrum Speakers’ Club, Alva’s Education Foundation, and Rotary Club-Mangalore Central. He urged students to develop a deeper relationship with nature and become active participants in environmental conservation.Drawing parallels between India’s linguistic and ecological diversites, Mr. Nair said just as multiple languages coexist and evolve across regions, ecosystems thrive through diversity and interconnectedness. “Nature was not created by humans. The air we breathe, the water we consume, the mountains, rivers, forests and countless living organisms are all part of a complex system that sustains life,” he said.Taking far moreMr. Nair, who was born in Kerala, worked in Maharashtra and has spent the last 26 years in Gujarat, said his journey from industrialist to environmentalist began with a realisation that society was taking far more from nature than it was giving back.An industrialist running a large garment manufacturing enterprise in Gujarat, Mr. Nair said he dedicated himself to environmental work in 2011 and has since been involved in afforestation, organic agriculture and rainwater conservation projects across the country.Sharing experiences from his environmental initiatives, he said people often attributed extraordinary abilities to him after witnessing successful water conservation and afforestation projects. “Many villagers treat me like a saint or miracle worker. But I always tell them that it is not my power; it is the power of nature,” he said.Emotional bondingMr. Nair spoke about the importance of developing emotional connections with plants and trees. Recalling interactions with students, he said many had reported improved flowering and fruiting in trees after regularly caring for and communicating with them. He said many of his afforestation projects were initially dismissed as impractical, but later demonstrated remarkable ecological results.Referring to the development of the Smritivan project in Gujarat, he said large-scale ecological restoration is possible when vision, commitment and public participation come together. “The future of the planet depends on the actions we take today. Nature has given humanity everything; it is time humanity gives something back,” he said.Foundation Managing Trustee M. Vivek Alva spoke. Published - June 08, 2026 08:08 pm IST
