Renowned environmentalist and Padma Shri recipient Daripalli Ramaiah, widely known as ‘Vanajeevi’ Ramaiah, passed away on Saturday in Telangana’s Khammam district. Family members confirmed that the 87-year-old green crusader suffered a fatal heart attack at his residence in Reddipalli Village, bringing to an end a life dedicated to nurturing and preserving nature.
Daripalli Ramaiah was fondly known as “Chettu Ramaiah” (Tree Ramaiah) and “Vanajeevi” (Forest Man) across the state, especially in Khammam, for his unparalleled commitment to environmental conservation. Throughout his lifetime, Ramaiah planted an estimated one crore (ten million) saplings across barren lands, roadsides, and riverbanks, tirelessly advocating the importance of green cover for the well-being of future generations.
His extraordinary efforts in transforming arid landscapes and inspiring countless others to embrace tree plantation earned him one of India’s highest civilian honors — the Padma Shri — in 2017. The award was a recognition of not just the sheer number of trees he planted, but of the movement he sparked, teaching communities and individuals about the importance of ecological balance.
News of his demise has left a deep void in the hearts of people across Telangana and the larger environmentalist community. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy led the tributes, expressing profound sorrow over Ramaiah’s passing. In an official statement released by the Chief Minister’s Office, Revanth Reddy said that the loss of Ramaiah is an “irreparable one” for society, as his life embodied the deep connection between humans and nature.
The Chief Minister also highlighted Ramaiah’s unshakable belief that the survival of humanity hinges on protecting and preserving the natural world. He lauded the environmentalist’s selfless commitment, saying that while Ramaiah began his tree-planting journey as a lone crusader, his actions resonated far and wide, inspiring thousands to take up the responsibility of nurturing the environment.
“Daripalli Ramaiah’s work transcended the mere act of planting trees,” Revanth Reddy said. “It became a movement — one that taught the value of coexistence with nature and the power of individual action in combating environmental degradation.”
Reddy conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Ramaiah’s family and the entire community of nature lovers who had been inspired by the green crusader’s life.
Prominent leaders across political lines joined in mourning the loss of the man whose name became synonymous with environmental stewardship in Telangana. Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) president and former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), along with a host of other public figures, paid tribute to Ramaiah’s memory and his lifelong dedication to the green cause.
In his condolence message, Union Minister Kishan Reddy emphasized the scale of Ramaiah’s contributions, noting that few individuals could match his legacy of planting over one crore saplings with their own hands. He praised Ramaiah as a true champion of nature who led by example and dedicated his entire life to making the world greener and more sustainable.
Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar echoed the sentiment, stating that the passing of Daripalli Ramaiah was a significant loss not only to the state of Telangana but also to the wider movement for environmental conservation in India. He described the Padma Shri awardee as a guiding light for those committed to the cause of protecting the planet.
Meanwhile, KCR, under whose tenure as Chief Minister Ramaiah was awarded the Padma Shri, expressed his admiration for the green crusader’s unwavering passion. He said Ramaiah’s life would stand as a powerful and enduring example for generations to come, reminding society of the critical role individuals can play in safeguarding the environment.
Daripalli Ramaiah’s journey was not one of fame or fortune but of profound love for nature. With seeds tucked away in his pockets and saplings loaded onto his bicycle, he would roam from village to village, planting wherever he could, often at his own expense. His simple lifestyle, deep-rooted ecological wisdom, and hands-on activism earned him the respect and affection of people from all walks of life.
As Telangana and the nation mourns the loss of this tireless green warrior, his legacy lives on — in the millions of trees he planted and the countless lives he inspired to join the mission of protecting and preserving nature.