M. Yoganathan, the 59-year-old TNSTC bus conductor known as 'Tree Man of Coimbatore', honoured by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi for his environmental initiatives spanning three decades.
Coimbatore: M. Yoganathan, the 59-year-old bus conductor working with the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC), popularly known as the 'Tree Man of Coimbatore', is set to receive a prestigious honour. He has been invited to participate in a feast hosted by President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday during the Independence Day celebrations in New Delhi, where he will be recognized for his remarkable environmental initiatives.
Yoganathan's journey as an environmental activist spans over three decades, during which he has been responsible for planting several lakhs of trees across Tamil Nadu. His dedication to the cause is evident in his willingness to spend half of his salary on raising nurseries and supplying saplings to educational institutions and industrial establishments.
"I am able to raise a sapling for less than ₹5 in my nursery whereas the same is sold at 10 times more the cost elsewhere. If not for a supportive family, my environmental pursuit would not have been possible," Yoganathan shared. The TNSTC, Coimbatore, has also been supportive of his noble endeavors.
S. Sridharan, General Manager of TNSTC, Coimbatore, praised Yoganathan's commitment, stating, "Yoganathan is as much efficient in his job, and has been feted by the organisation at the top level for his environmental cause."
Despite facing personal challenges, including a battle with cancer that resulted in the removal of a lung, Yoganathan's passion for environmental conservation remains undiminished. He continues to motivate students, sensitizing them to the importance of nurturing and safeguarding flora as the primary source of fresh air.
Yoganathan's impressive record includes planting over 1,20,000 trees in the last 28 years. He works on the S-26 bus route, running between Marudamalai and Gandhipuram in Coimbatore. Using 40% of his monthly salary, he purchases saplings and educates children about environmental conservation.
His efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2021, Yoganathan received the Eco Warrior award from the Vice President of India. Earlier, in 2010, the Government of Tamil Nadu conferred upon him the title of Suttru Suzhal Sevai Veerar Award.
As Yoganathan prepares to be honored alongside 19 other unique personalities from across the country at the Independence Day celebrations, his story serves as an inspiration for environmental conservation and selfless service to society.
Yoganathan's journey as an environmental activist spans over three decades, during which he has been responsible for planting several lakhs of trees across Tamil Nadu. His dedication to the cause is evident in his willingness to spend half of his salary on raising nurseries and supplying saplings to educational institutions and industrial establishments.
"I am able to raise a sapling for less than ₹5 in my nursery whereas the same is sold at 10 times more the cost elsewhere. If not for a supportive family, my environmental pursuit would not have been possible," Yoganathan shared. The TNSTC, Coimbatore, has also been supportive of his noble endeavors.
S. Sridharan, General Manager of TNSTC, Coimbatore, praised Yoganathan's commitment, stating, "Yoganathan is as much efficient in his job, and has been feted by the organisation at the top level for his environmental cause."
Despite facing personal challenges, including a battle with cancer that resulted in the removal of a lung, Yoganathan's passion for environmental conservation remains undiminished. He continues to motivate students, sensitizing them to the importance of nurturing and safeguarding flora as the primary source of fresh air.
Yoganathan's impressive record includes planting over 1,20,000 trees in the last 28 years. He works on the S-26 bus route, running between Marudamalai and Gandhipuram in Coimbatore. Using 40% of his monthly salary, he purchases saplings and educates children about environmental conservation.
His efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2021, Yoganathan received the Eco Warrior award from the Vice President of India. Earlier, in 2010, the Government of Tamil Nadu conferred upon him the title of Suttru Suzhal Sevai Veerar Award.
As Yoganathan prepares to be honored alongside 19 other unique personalities from across the country at the Independence Day celebrations, his story serves as an inspiration for environmental conservation and selfless service to society.