With the Green Man

Interview of the Green Man, Sudhir Rout

On Ecology Day 2023, Oasis interviewed Shri Sudhir Rout, Odishas "Greenman," whose decade-long efforts have transformed Ganjam districts barren hills into lush greenery. Through his Aryabhatta Foundation, Sudhir has planted tens of thousands of trees, using innovative methods like seed balls for reforestation. He shared his journey from childhood to environmental activism, highlighting the importance of education and community participation in conservation. Sudhirs initiatives, including the Sabuja Rath awareness campaign, inspire others to take action, promoting a greener, more sustainable future for Odisha.

conducted at IISER Berhampur on 3rd of June, 2023

Transforming Ganjams Bald Hills into Greenery

Shri Sudhir Rout's remarkable environmental journey began in 2007 in his native village of Madhabandha under the Chikiti block. With a post-graduate degree in Physics from Khallikote College, Berhampur, and a storied career as the former principal of Nalanda Residential College in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, Sudhir combined his academic prowess with a deep-seated passion for nature. Recognizing the severe degradation of soil and the barrenness of 13 hills in Ganjam, which the Forest Department had deemed irrecoverable, Sudhir launched the Aryabhatta Foundation. Between 2017 and the present, his foundation has successfully transformed these hills, including Rangamatia Pahada at Ramchandrapalli, into lush green covers. Through meticulous planning and dedicated effort, around 50,000 trees have been planted on Ramchandrapalli alone, with significant progress also seen in Balakumari and other hills where bamboo saplings have thrived.

Innovative Conservation Strategies and Community Engagement

Sudhir Routs approach to reforestation is both innovative and community-oriented. This year, he plans to expand his green mission by targeting seven additional hills in the Ganjam district, including Russidalli Pahad near Chikiti and several others near Mahuri Kalua and Digapahandi. His strategy involves sowing 7 lakh seeds through seed balls in inaccessible hill areas and planting an additional 5 to 6 lakh seeds manually. Preparation for these seed balls will commence on May 19, with planting activities set to begin after June 10, aligning with the monsoon season to ensure optimal growth conditions. Additionally, the Aryabhatta Foundation is extending its efforts beyond hill reforestation to include urban areas such as Chikiti and Tamana, as well as educational institutions like Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas (OAV). These initiatives demonstrate Sudhirs holistic approach to conservation, integrating scientific methods with grassroots community involvement to foster sustainable environmental stewardship.

We screened the Documentary of Shri Sudhir Rout on the 5th Day at the Transit Campus. 

Inspiring Future Generations and Expanding the Green Mission

Launching Sabuja Rath and Village Forests

Beyond large-scale tree planting, Sudhir Rout has been instrumental in launching the Sabuja Rath in 2010, a unique initiative aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of tree plantation, water preservation, and the hazards of polythene and plastics through engaging folk arts. This innovative approach has effectively communicated crucial environmental messages to diverse audiences, blending cultural expression with ecological advocacy. In 2016, Sudhir introduced the village forest concept in Pitatali Panchayat, Madhabandha, and Palasara, covering 25 acres and planting thousands of trees in these areas. The Aryabhatta Foundation has also successfully established two village forests near Pitatali and Tamana, planting 10,000 and 5,000 trees respectively, along with numerous mini-forests in OAVs, Parala Maharaj Engineering College, and various roadways in Berhampur.

Insights from the Interview: Motivation and Vision for the Future

During the interview, Sudhir Rout eloquently recounted his motivations and the challenges he has overcome in his quest to green Ganjam. He emphasized the critical role of education and community participation in achieving long-term environmental goals. Sudhir shared his vision for a greener Odisha, where sustainable practices are deeply ingrained in everyday life, and natural habitats are meticulously preserved and expanded. His dedication serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that one individual can have on environmental conservation when driven by passion and supported by a committed community. Sudhirs insights not only highlight the successes of his past initiatives but also inspire others to take up similar causes, ensuring that the legacy of ecological preservation continues to grow.