ABOUT PEEPAL BABA
Swami Prem Parivartan, known affectionately as Peepal Baba, is a passionate environmentalist and the driving force behind one of India's largest tree-planting movements. Born in Chandigarh in 1966, in his early life, traveling across India with his father, a doctor in the Indian Army, ignited his deep love for nature.
A Childhood Passion for Planting
Peepal Baba's journey with trees began at a young age. By age ten, he was already planting trees in his neighborhood. This hobby quickly blossomed into a lifelong passion. At 11 years old, while in Pune, he planted his first tree at Pune Military Station on January 26, 1977. Inspired by his grandmother and encouraged by his fourth-grade teacher, he embarked on a remarkable tree-planting spree. He even started a hobby club called "Give Me Trees," rallying friends, classmates, and even strangers to help plant and water trees.
The Journey
What began as a childhood club is now the Give Me Trees Trust, a fully registered charitable organization headquartered in Delhi. Today, it stands as the largest community-based voluntary tree-planting and conservation movement in India.
Peepal Baba's name became synonymous with tree planting, especially the planting and preservation of the Peepal tree, earning him his popular moniker. The Trust's efforts are dedicated to planting for the "three Bs" — bees, birds, and butterflies — prioritizing native shade and fruit trees for preservation and conservation. Remarkably, Give Me Trees Trust has planted the largest number of Peepal trees in the world.
Our Dedicated Volunteers and Mission
The Give Me Trees Trust thrives on the dedication of its over 18,000 volunteers and interns from all walks of life across the country. These volunteers are crucial in conserving the saplings planted in diverse locations, including gardens, roadsides, highways, schools, military stations, mountains, and river banks.
A core part of the Trust's work involves community education, awareness, and volunteer mobilization campaigns.
Impact and Philosophy
To date, Peepal Baba and Give Me Trees Trust have planted and facilitated the preservation of approximately 25 million trees. Peepal Baba himself has personally planted over 1.25 million Peepal trees, along with other varieties like Banyan, Pilkhan, Jamun, Mango, Neem, Sheesham, and Babool.
Beyond planting, he is a strong advocate for natural farming techniques and organic farming, promoting the use of desi cow manure, composting, and effective waste management. He passionately encourages the creation of green belts and city forests.
Teacher, Author, and Tree Planter
Born into a distinguished Jain family, Swami Prem Parivartan chose to pursue a career in teaching. He holds a Postgraduate degree in English Literature from the University of Pune and a Masters in Mass Communications.
Peepal Baba continues to travel across India, inspiring children, social clubs, NGOs, colleges, and other institutions to embrace the love for trees.
Education
1986
Graduation
University of Pune
English, Political Science and related papers
1989
Post Graduation
University of Allahabad
English Literature
1989
Further Study Post Graduation
University of Pune
Mass Communication
AWARDS
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HCL Foundation: Best Practice Award
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Youth for Seva: Award for valuable contribution in community development
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92.7 Big FM: Environment Dhaakad Award
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India CSR & Sustainability Conclave & Awards: CSR Excellence in Environmental Sustainability Award
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WBO: Rattan Award 2017
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Brand Honchos: Indian CSR Awards
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BWW: Inspire Awards 2016
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Yes World Community: Save Earth Mission Award
RECOGNITIONS & APPRECIATIONS
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IIMUN: Certificate of Appreciation
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Society for Civil & Environmental Engineers, Delhi Technological University: Memento of Appreciation
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Radio Maharani: Certificate of Appreciation
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Homerton Grammar School: Certificate of Recognition
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Noida Axomiya Durgotsav Association: Letter of Felicitation