27/06/2025
Prabha Devi: The Uneducated Woman Who Built a Forest!
Prabha Devi may not be educated, nor does she know her date of birth, but her wisdom about nature surpasses all. At 76 years old, she has single-handedly created an entire forest in her village in Uttarakhand, proving that true knowledge comes from the heart. e
Her self-made forest includes over 500 trees of various species, such as oak, rhododendron (a beautiful evergreen shrub with large flowers), cinnamon, and soap nut (reetha).
Hailing from Palashat village in Rudraprayag district, Prabha Devi started her journey years ago, dedicating her entire life to tree plantation and environmental conservation.
"My family had a small piece of barren, uncultivated land. I began planting trees there and around my house. Today, it has become a dense forest, and my mission is to turn barren land into greenery." - Prabha Devi
Married at the tender age of 16 with no formal education, Prabha Devi has acquired remarkable knowledge about tree plantation through her own efforts. She knows exactly what each tree needs to thrive, adapting her methods to the local conditions for the best growth.
Her dedication has earned her the title of "Friend of Trees." While her children live in big cities, Prabha Devi refuses to leave her village. Instead, she continues her fight to save the environment, one tree at a time. O
Her story is a testament to the power of determination, love for nature, and a selfless desire to make the world a better place.