How this ‘tree man’ from Kerala has planted over 20,000 trees in 26 years

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M. Shyamkumar standing under some of 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. | Photo Credit: special arrangement

He begins early mornings driving his autorickshaw and plants saplings whenever he finds time along roadsides, public land, schools, hospitals and temple compounds.

He has also marked occasions with planting drives, including tributes to former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. His work along the Malampuzha canal between Kinassery and Navakkode, where rows of palmyra palms now stand, is among his key projects.

To keep saplings alive, he uses simple drip irrigation with discarded bottles and water from ponds, including temple tanks. He protects plants with bamboo fencing. His autorickshaw carries saplings, seeds and tools, earning him the label of a “one-man green army.” The slogan “Maram oru varam” (a tree is a blessing) is written on it.

He has provided 1,000 ungu trees for planting along the Palakkad-Pathirippala road and replanted a banyan at Koduvayur Siva Temple, which has grown into a large tree. His work also extends to Mangalavanam in Kochi, Puducherry and routes to Mookambika.

He is often called for tree-planting in public and private spaces and has greened areas around schools, hospitals and ins