India’s Green Hero: Dr. R.K. Nair’s Journey to Reforest the Nation

From Industry to Ecology: A Life Transformed

Dr. Radhakrishnan R.K. Nair, once a thriving textile entrepreneur, is now hailed as one of India’s most impactful environmentalists. His journey took a pivotal turn in 2012 when he witnessed the indiscriminate cutting of trees during a road construction project. Watching bird nests fall and vanish from the canopy stirred something deep within him—igniting a mission to restore what was being lost.

He left behind the business world and dedicated himself to reforestation and biodiversity, choosing to rebuild ecosystems from scratch.

Greening India with the Miyawaki Method

Dr. Nair adopted the Miyawaki method—an innovative approach developed by Japanese botanist Dr. Akira Miyawaki that emphasizes planting native species densely to simulate natural forests. This method allows forests to grow up to 10 times faster and become self-sustaining within a few years.

Starting with a small plot in Umargam, Gujarat, Dr. Nair’s first Miyawaki forest blossomed with over 1,500 trees. From that success, he expanded across the country, turning degraded, barren, and often toxic lands into lush, vibrant green zones.

Smritivan: A Monumental Green Tribute

Among his most ambitious projects is Smritivan Earthquake Memorial and Forest, built on Bhujiyo Hill in Kutch, Gujarat. Spanning 16 acres, it is now recognized as the world’s largest Miyawaki forest, with over 2.23 lakh trees from 117 different native species.

This living forest was developed in just 37 days with the involvement of more than 10,000 local workers. Smritivan stands as both a green sanctuary and a moving tribute to the victims of the devastating 2001 Gujarat earthquake.

Nationwide Impact and Urban Forest Revolution

Dr. Nair has overseen the creation of over 120 urban forests across 12 Indian states, including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh. His work has transformed neglected lands—ranging from garbage dumps to abandoned chemical sites—into thriving ecosystems teeming with life.

These forests provide critical green lungs to congested cities, offering cleaner air, cooling effects, biodiversity restoration, and community engagement in environmental action.

A Voice for Sustainability and Future Generations

Beyond planting trees, Dr. Nair actively champions environmental education, waste management, and reforestation of abandoned mines. He envisions a future where green spaces are seamlessly integrated into urban planning, and sustainability becomes second nature to citizens.

He also advocates for zero-waste, zero-dumping models to tackle the mounting urban waste crisis and pollution.

Dr. R.K. Nair’s journey is a powerful reminder that one person’s resolve can lead to nationwide transformation. His Miyawaki forests are more than just groves of trees—they are symbols of resilience, renewal, and hope for a greener, healthier India.