Editor’s Note
As millions gather for the Mahakumbh, a spiritual leader known as ‘Environment Baba’ is channeling the event’s immense scale toward a critical modern cause: ecological restoration. His ambitious tree-planting mission highlights how ancient traditions can powerfully intersect with contemporary environmental action.
Prayagraj: ‘Environment Baba’, also known as Avadhut Baba Arun Giri, has arrived at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj with his unique mission to save the environment. He has planted over 10 million trees so far and aims to plant an additional 51,000 trees during this Mahakumbh.
A saint has captured everyone’s attention at the Mahakumbh, which begins on January 13th in Prayagraj. This is no ordinary saint, but the ‘Environment Baba’, known for his gold jewelry and for raising awareness about environmental protection. His real name is Arun Giri, and he has planted more than 10 million trees to date.
Mahamandaleshwar Avadhut Baba Arun Giri, also known as ‘Environment Baba’, says that religion is complete only when it respects nature. In an interview with ANI, while conveying the message of Sanatan Dharma, he said that every person should plant at least two trees—one for cremation and one peepal tree, which provides oxygen for a lifetime.
In 2016, during a journey from Vaishno Devi to Kanyakumari, the Baba planted 2.7 million trees. After this, devotees began calling him ‘Environment Baba’. This time at the Mahakumbh, he has pledged to plant 51,000 trees.
Environment Baba wears gold bracelets, a diamond-studded watch, and sunglasses. However, more than his attire, his love for the environment is discussed. Citing the example of the Covid pandemic, the Baba said,
This time, 450 million devotees are expected to arrive at the Mahakumbh. The main royal baths will be on January 14th (Makar Sankranti), January 29th (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3rd (Basant Panchami). On this occasion, the Baba will explain to devotees not only the importance of religion but also of the environment.