Sat Apr 12 04:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Telangana Mourns Padma Shri Recipient and Environmentalist Vanajeevi Ramaiah
**Hyderabad, April 12, 2025** – Former Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Padma Shri Vanajeevi Ramaiah, a renowned environmentalist, early Saturday morning. Ramaiah, 85, passed away after a period of illness.
KCR lauded Ramaiah’s life as an inspiration, highlighting his extraordinary contribution to global environmental conservation through his tireless efforts in planting over 10 million trees. He praised Ramaiah’s unwavering commitment to the motto “Vruksho Rakshati Rakshitaha” (Trees protect those who protect them) and his instrumental role in promoting the importance of greenery.
The former CM noted Ramaiah’s significant contribution to the success of Telangana’s flagship Haritha Haram program, a large-scale afforestation initiative. KCR emphasized the importance of green wealth for future generations, contrasting it with material assets. He further stressed the urgent need for more individuals like Ramaiah to combat environmentally damaging government policies and protect forests and wildlife.
Ramaiah’s wife, Janakamma, and their four children are mourning his loss. The family reportedly took him to a nearby hospital after he lost consciousness at home early Saturday. He passed away while receiving treatment. His dedication to planting trees began in his youth, shaping his life’s work and legacy. His passing is considered a significant loss for Telangana’s environmental movement. KCR offered his condolences to Ramaiah’s family, friends, and fellow environmentalists.
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