Tadepalli (Andhra Pradesh): Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSRCP Chief Jagan Mohan Reddy has expressed heartfelt condolences over the passing of Daripalli Ramaiah, the revered social worker and Padma Shri awardee, widely known as Vanajeevi Ramaiah.
ప్రకృతి ప్రేమికుడు, ప్రముఖ సామాజిక కార్యకర్త, పద్మశ్రీ వనజీవి రామయ్య గారి మృతి తీవ్ర దిగ్భ్రాంతికి గురి చేసింది. పచ్చదనం, పర్యావరణ పరిరక్షణకు ఆయన చేసిన కృషి మరువలేనిది. కోటి మొక్కలకుపైగా నాటి పుడమి తల్లికి ఆయన అందించిన సేవలు రేపటి తరానికి స్ఫూర్తిదాయ… pic.twitter.com/5JjWgqnjf4
— YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (@ysjagan) April 12, 2025
Taking to social media platform X, Jagan remembered Ramaiah as a tireless environmentalist whose commitment to nature will be etched in history.
“The death of nature lover, prominent social activist, Padma Shri Vanajeevi Ramaiah Garu has come as a great shock. His contribution to the protection of the environment is unforgettable. The services he provided to the motherland by planting more than one crore saplings are an inspiration to the future generation. May the soul of Vanajeevi Ramaiah Garu rest in peace,” he wrote.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to Ramaiah, hailing him as a “champion of sustainability.”
“Daripalli Ramaiah Garu will be remembered as a champion of sustainability. He devoted his life to planting and protecting lakhs of trees. His tireless efforts reflected a deep love for nature and care for future generations. His work will keep motivating our youth in their quest to build a greener planet. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti,” PM Modi said in his message.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy also issued a condolence message, emphasizing Ramaiah’s lifelong belief in the deep connection between humanity and nature.
According to the official statement from his office, the CM stated:
“Ramaiah launched plantation as an individual and influenced the entire society. The Padma Shri awardee inspired the youth by dedicating his entire life to environmental protection.”
Daripalli Ramaiah, who passed away on April 12 at the age of 87 after a prolonged illness, was awarded the Padma Shri in 2017 in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to increasing India’s green cover. It is estimated that he personally planted over one crore saplings in the Khammam district and its surrounding areas throughout his life.
Born on July 1, 1937, in Reddypally village of Khammam (in the then undivided Andhra Pradesh), Ramaiah dedicated more than five decades to advocating social forestry. He was known for always carrying seeds in his pockets, ready to plant wherever he found barren land.
Among his accolades are the Seva Award (1995), Vanamitra Award (2005), and National Innovations and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge Award (2015). Under the ‘Telangana Ku Haritha Haram’ initiative, he was supported by the state government to further his mission of raising green cover from 24% to 33%.