India’s ‘tree father’ plants for a greener future amid worsening air and heat to give Earth ‘a second chance’

In Noida, India, during a typically hazy September day, Swami Prem Parivartan, also known as "Peepal Baba" or "tree father," places a young sapling into the ground, carrying on a decades-long endeavor to restore the country's dwindling green spaces. Peepal Baba, now in his sixtieth year, has been on a mission to plant millions of trees, estimating that his teams have collectively planted over 26 million trees and restored vegetation across over 270,000 hectares of land - an area nearly twice the size of Delhi or nearly as large as California's Yosemite National Park.

Peepal Baba's journey began with a childhood fascination with trees, nurtured by his grandmother and a beloved garden. His first tree was planted on his eleventh birthday, a peepal or Ficus religiosa tree, which is considered sacred in several Indian religions. He recalls how these trees have long provided shade for village gatherings, temples, tea stalls, and marketplaces. The peepal tree, with its sprawling roots, has become a symbol of hope for Peepal Baba in his 2026 autobiography.

After completing his academic career, Peepal Baba abandoned his academic pursuits and embarked on a scooter journey across India, encouraging people to grow trees. He earned his nickname, "Peepal Baba," from a villager he met while planting trees - a nickname that proved more effective than his academic title. Over his extensive travels, he estimated he covered nearly 540,000 kilometers, enough to circle the Earth more than 13 times.

Peepal Baba slept wherever shelter was available, from temples to homes, bus stops, and even beneath a peepal tree.

Funded primarily by individual and community donations, the organization has recently attracted major corporate donors to expand its work. With over 1.6 million Instagram followers, Peepal Baba now spreads his message through social media and a growing network of volunteers. He maintains that the ultimate goal is simple: plant a tree, care for it, and ensure its survival. "When people ask, ‘How many?’, I answer, ‘As many as it takes to give the Earth a second chance’."