Dukhu Majhi, born in Sindri village of Purulia district, West Bengal (formerly Bihar), is an environmental activist known affectionately as “Gachh Dadu” (Tree Grandfather). Since his teens, despite having no formal education, he has planted over 5,000 trees across barren and sun-scorched landscapes such as the Ajodhya Hills, using a bicycle to travel with saplings, water, and tools. He plants in fields, roadsides, near schools, temples and even cremation grounds, often protecting his saplings by fencing them with burnt wood or discarded cloth (items which locals avoid due to superstition) so they aren’t stolen or damaged. In recognition of his lifelong commitment to afforestation and the environment, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 2024. Despite this, he continues to live in poverty in a mud house with his elderly wife and differently-abled son, and struggles with unstable housing and basic livelihood.