IIT (ISM) Dhanbad Honours ‘The Tree Man’ Ravi Kumar Nishad for 15 Years of Environmental Service and Agricultural Innovation

Dhanbad, Jharkhand, On the auspicious occasion of Van Mahotsav, a special environmental awareness programme titled “Government School Environmental Pathshala” was successfully organised at Upgraded Higher Secondary School, Loadih, through a joint initiative of Jai Dharti Maa Foundation and the Department of Environmental Science, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.

The programme marked a significant milestone in the 15-year journey of environmental conservation and agricultural initiatives led by Ravi Kumar Nishad, popularly known as “The Tree Man.” His continued efforts towards environmental protection, natural farming, and agricultural research received appreciation from the academic community of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.

Agricultural Research Centre Becomes a Centre of Attraction

The programme began with a visit to the Agricultural Research Centre located at the headquarters of Jai Dharti Maa Foundation. Professor Basudev Das from the Department of Environmental Science, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, along with approximately 60 Ph.D. research scholars, visited the centre to observe its agricultural research and cultivation initiatives.

The professors and research scholars were particularly impressed by the rare and unique fruit-bearing plants brought from different parts of India and abroad. The successful cultivation and testing of these exotic and high-value fruit varieties in Dhanbad attracted considerable interest among the researchers.

The visitors described the research centre as an inspiring example of agricultural experimentation, environmental awareness, and the possibilities of sustainable cultivation in the region.

Following the research centre visit, the guests proceeded to Upgraded Higher Secondary School, Loadih, where the main Environmental Pathshala programme was organised.

Environmental Awareness Among Students

Addressing the gathering, Ravi Kumar Nishad, popularly known as “The Tree Man,” emphasised the importance of protecting nature and said, “Environmental conservation must be our first priority. Planting a single tree is like giving life to a hundred people.”

Chief Guest Professor Suresh Pondal stressed that environmental protection should not remain limited to speeches and awareness campaigns but should become part of everyday life. He encouraged citizens, particularly young people, to actively participate in plantation and conservation activities.

Professor Basudev Das, addressing the students, said that young people must come forward and take responsibility for protecting their environment. He reminded the students that they are the future of the country and encouraged them to become active participants in environmental conservation.

As part of the programme, students were administered a pledge to protect trees, conserve water, and adopt a plastic-free lifestyle. Five professors and around 60 Ph.D. scholars from IIT (ISM) Dhanbad also participated in a tree plantation drive alongside the students.

Ravi Kumar Nishad Honoured for His Contribution

Following the successful completion of the programme, Dr. Alok, Head of the Department of Environmental Science, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, honoured Ravi Kumar Nishad with a Certificate of Appreciation.

The recognition was presented in appreciation of his 15 years of dedicated work in agriculture and environmental conservation, as well as his efforts in developing and successfully testing innovative agricultural practices at the foundation’s Agricultural Research Centre.

The recognition from the academic and research community of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad marks an important moment in Ravi Kumar Nishad’s environmental journey and further highlights the growing importance of community-based environmental initiatives and agricultural innovation.

Several dignitaries and members of the foundation were present during the programme, including School Management Committee members, Co-Founder Ranjit Kumar, District Secretary Sahdev Mahto, District President Anil Kevat, District Programme Officer Mohammad Shamsher Ali, and District Scheduled Tribe Officer Sudhir Hembram.

The programme concluded with a strong message that environmental conservation requires collective participation from students, researchers, educational institutions, communities, and citizens. The joint initiative demonstrated how education, scientific research, agriculture, and environmental awareness can come together to create a greener and more sustainable future.