PEEPAL BABA
Swami Prem Parivartan, famously known as ‘Peepal Baba’ was born to an army officer’s family in Chandigarh in 1966. At birth, he was given the name Azad Jain. After his college and university education, Azad Jain came to be known as Swami Prem Parivartan as he took to teaching Yoga and Meditation as his career.
Swami Parivartan holds a Postgraduate degree in English Literature from University of Pune. He took to teaching university students in the morning hours and by evening he was a Yoga practitioner and teacher.
The Green Mission Begins
In 1977, a 10-year-old boy in Pune, who had just started 5th grade, learned about trees from his grandma. She told him to plant shade-giving trees. Inspired by his grandma, the boy started his mission.
Planting along roadsides didn't require any special permission, and the Public Works Department (PWD) was actually quite happy about it. Since he was just a small kid on a bicycle, no one ever said no to him. He planted many neem trees on central dividers. For the green belts on the left and right sides of the roads, he planted peepal, neem, jamun, sheesham, pilkhan, and gulmohar trees, getting some of them from the forest department.
The forest department was quite amused that a little boy was so dedicated to planting trees all by himself, and the Pune forest department was very supportive.
The determined young boy would carry 40 saplings on his bicycle in one go!
He quickly realized that all the resources he needed were already around him; he just had to bring them together. People were incredibly helpful, and he barely remembers facing any big challenges, just lots of supportive friends and neighbours.
Man on a mission: "Planting A Greener Future"
A Young Boy With A Dream
He also found extra space in government schools, where people were happy for him to clean up and plant. The boy especially loved planting hibiscus, also known as the shoe flower, along with Chandni and Parijat. Not everyone wanted him to plant trees inside their compounds, but he found that by starting with flowering plants, he could eventually convince them.
And convince many, he did. From a young age, people actively participated in his green initiative. The first donations started coming in as early as 1977, from friends, family and neighbours sending in plants, saplings, helping with organic fertilisers to the generous man at the grocery, "Kirana" that gave him thread that he could use to support his growing plants, showing how quickly his passion inspired others to join him in making Pune greener.
Why Peepal Trees?
Many a times, people are afraid of planting penpal trees because of the myth associated with it, that ghosts live on these trees. However the Peepal Tree has another story to tell.
Imagine a vast, evergreen giant, its roots reaching deep into the earth, anchoring a sprawling canopy that touches the sky. This is the Peepal tree in its ecological glory. It's a true keystone species, meaning it's vital to the health of its entire ecosystem. Picture countless birds flitting through its branches, insects buzzing around its leaves, and small creatures finding refuge within its nooks. The Peepal is a bustling apartment building for wildlife, offering both shelter and shade from the relentless Indian sun. But its generosity doesn't stop there. As dawn breaks, the Peepal begins its silent work, releasing an astonishing amount of oxygen, making it a crucial ally in our urban landscapes, tirelessly cleaning the air and fostering healthier, breathable environments.
Yet, the Peepal's significance stretches far beyond its green leaves and deep roots. It holds a profound place in the very fabric of Indian culture and spirituality. In Hindu beliefs, the Peepal is a living deity, often associated with the divine trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Devotees believe it's a dwelling place for Lord Vishnu, embodying life, prosperity, and fertility. It's a common sight to see its trunk adorned with sacred threads, small idols, and offerings during vibrant religious ceremonies.
For Buddhists, the Peepal is equally, if not more, sacred. Known as the Bodhi tree, it's under its sacred boughs that Gautama Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment. The magnificent Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, in Bihar, remains a hallowed pilgrimage site, drawing seekers from every corner of the globe, a testament to the Peepal's enduring spiritual power.