M. Yoganathan, TNSTC bus driver from Coimbatore, being honoured by the President of India during the Independence Day celebrations in New Delhi. | Photo credit: SPL
M. Yoganathan is a 59-year-old bus driver who works for the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation and is best known as the ‘Tree Man of Coimbatore’. He has overseen the plantation of several hundred thousand trees across Tamil Nadu over three decades and his fire continues to burn within him.
The cherry on top for Mr. Yoganathan will be his participation in the fete being hosted by President Droupadi Murmu for his environmental initiative during the Independence Day celebrations in New Delhi on Thursday. Twenty such unique personalities from across the country have been selected for the fete where they will be feted with certificates.
What makes his venture so special is the self-motivation to spend his own money on his noble cause, which his entire family shares. “There is an important reason why I spend half of my salary on setting up nurseries and supplying saplings to educational institutions and industrial establishments to green their premises,” said Mr. Yoganathan.
“I can grow a sapling in my nursery for less than Rs 5, while the same tree sells for ten times that price elsewhere. Without the support of my family, my commitment to the environment would not have been possible,” said Mr Yoganathan.
The TNSTC in Coimbatore also supported him in his noble tasks.
“Mr. Yoganathan is extremely efficient in his work and has been recognized by the organization at the highest level for his commitment to the environment,” said S. Sridharan, General Manager of TNSTC in Coimbatore.
A year ago he was diagnosed with cancer and had to have a lung removed. However, this did not dampen his enthusiasm for ecological projects.
“However, the commitment to environmental protection remains unbroken. I will continue to motivate the students and make them aware of the need to care for and protect the flora as it is the only source of fresh air to breathe,” said a determined Mr. Yoganathan.
