Along with this mission Prof Shyam Sunder Jyani has taken it upon himself to educate school-going children in rural areas on the critical issue of climate change
As the world debates the issues related to climate change, there are some for whom the environment is a personal concern. That too in the dry, hot deserts of Western Rajasthan where the might and fury of nature are witnessed in dust storms and rampant drought. In the midst of these extreme climes and scanty vegetation one man dreamt of trees in every village and then spent close to a lifetime in trying to make his dreams a reality by traveling from village to village and encouraging lakhs of households to nurture these trees. In the very heart of the Thar desert this Sociology HOD from Bikaner’s Dungar College conceptualised the theme of Familial Forestry in 2006 which has at its central theme linking each family to the care of one tree.
What started in 2006 with one village has become a life mission for Shyam Sunder Jyani. This mission has reached across 2,500 villages in Bikaner Division and connects 1.5 lakh families through a process of environmental education and the care of over 6 lakh trees planted by these very families.
In 2016, this family oriented model of environmental conservation reached Bihar where 30,000 trees were planted in Nalanda. Families across villages are encouraged to plant trees and nurture them keeping in mind the unique bio-diversity of this area. This has a positive impact on the entire environment, ecology and the economy of the village. Along with this mission Prof Jyani has taken it upon himself to educate school-going children in rural areas on the critical issue of climate change. The most incredible part of this huge exercise is that he does not depend on any external funding for this drive.
Jyani has been working on local species like Zyzyphus Nummularia (commonly known as ber) which is best adapted for the arid climate. The new technique involves adding epidermal tissue to root stock and leads to increase in fruit yield. Successful intervention in other local species like lasunda and khejri have shown good results. Jyani believes that propogation of these varieties will not just have a positive impact on the bio-diversity, ecology and environment but can also reduce malnutrition and increase fodder availability in the villages where they are being nurtured. The central theme of Familial Forestry is that environmental learning involves the 3H model — printing together the Head, Hand and Heart in order to plant, protect, nurture and propagate trees. In keeping with the times Jyani has even had an android app My Forest to educate people regarding trees and their care. He is a recipient of an award from the President for his commendable work for the environment.
On World Environment Day the world has been plunged into a debate on climate change and who takes the onus of it. But here, far away from the noise, one man has chosen to realise that if we do not act now and today it will be too late. The Earth needs more Shyam Sunder Jyanis to take onus for it.
Truly an inspiring personality who puts the Earth before himself!
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