Eco-driven Ganesh Utsav mobilises lakhs of youngsters as green warriors, blending devotion with sustainability
Surat, September 8, 2025: Environmentalist Viral Desai, popularly known as the Green Man of Surat, has achieved a historic milestone as his “Tree Ganesha” campaign entered the Asia Book of Records. The initiative, regarded as the world’s only religious-cultural celebration entirely focused on environmental conservation, has inspired lakhs of youngsters to take on the role of “environment warriors.”
Tree Ganesha, which has been running successfully for the past eight years, replaces traditional idols with saplings, encouraging devotees to worship Lord Ganesha while simultaneously nurturing the environment. The campaign is a part of Desai’s larger movement, Satyagraha Against Pollution and Climate Change, which has already prepared over one lakh students as active “green warriors.”
The movement was born out of a transformative experience. During a medical camp in the tribal region of Dang, Desai observed that not a single woman tested positive for breast cancer. Doctors attributed this to their natural lifestyle, close bond with the environment, and healthier surroundings. Inspired by this revelation, Desai resolved to dedicate his life to tree plantation, setting himself an ambitious goal of planting one crore trees.
“Planting one crore trees is only a beginning,” said Desai. “To truly heal our planet, every citizen must contribute. If we don’t act today, future generations will pay the price.”
The initiative has garnered institutional support from the Surat Police, Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), and the Forest Department, enabling it to expand further. Beyond the plantation drive, Tree Ganesha has evolved into an educational movement through biodiversity workshops, ecosystem restoration projects, urban forest creation, and study tours that offer young people practical exposure to environmental challenges.
Celebrating the recognition, Desai remarked, “Tree Ganesha is not just a festival but a revolution. The Asia Book of Records honor is proof that our collective effort is making a difference. But recognition is only a milestone—the real goal is to secure the future of our planet.”
With a mission to plant over one crore trees and a focus on practical climate action, Viral Desai continues to inspire communities across Gujarat and India. For him, each sapling represents a step toward healthier lives, cleaner air, and a sustainable future.
About Tree Ganesha
Tree Ganesha is an eco-friendly campaign founded by environmentalist Viral Desai. Celebrated as a sustainable alternative to traditional Ganesh idols, it encourages devotees to plant saplings in honour of Lord Ganesha. Over eight years, the initiative has mobilised lakhs of youngsters, empowered over one lakh students as “green warriors,” and gained institutional support, marking Surat as a global hub for innovative environmental movements.
