Who is R K Nair, the man Anand Mahindra calls a 'hero' in his viral post

At a time when environmental concerns are growing louder by the day, one man in India is proving that individual dedication can drive meaningful change. Dr. R.K. Nair’s groundbreaking work in reforestation has captured global attention and inspired a rising green movement across the country. His creation of the world’s largest Miyawaki forest recently caught the eye of business leader Anand Mahindra , who praised the effort as a powerful reminder that real transformation often begins with passionate individuals.

Dr. Nair’s work comes at an important time, when environmental problems are often pushed aside by other global issues. But through the Miyawaki method , he’s showing a clear and effective way to fight one of the biggest challenges we face– deforestation .

Anand Mahindra’s appreciation
Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, took to social media recently to express his admiration for Dr. Nair’s commitment to sustainability. In his post, Mahindra highlighted the significance of Dr. Nair's achievements, particularly at a time when sustainability efforts seem to be losing ground on the global stage. Mahindra’s words resonated with many, as he said:

I knew what a Miyawaki forest was but had no idea about Dr Nair and how he had created the world’s largest such forest in India.

At a time when the U.S has taken sustainability off its priority list I am just grateful that we have such heroes amongst us…

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 pic.twitter.com/WNra4TnhVP

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) April 9, 2025

“At a time when the US has taken sustainability off its priority list, I am just grateful that we have such heroes amongst us.”

Anand Mahindra’s praise for Dr. Nair came at just the right time, highlighting how powerful local efforts can be. Dr. Nair shows us that real change doesn’t always have to start with big organizations– it can begin in small communities like the one in Kutch, Gujarat.

What is the Miyawaki method?
So, what makes Dr. Nair’s work stand out? It’s the Miyawaki method– a smart way of growing dense, healthy forests much faster than usual. Created by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, the technique uses a mix of native plants placed close together to copy how a natural forest grows. This helps the trees grow up to 10 times faster and makes the forest self-sustaining over time.

This method has played a big role in Dr. Nair’s success. By using it, he’s turned dry, empty land into green, living forests that do more than just look good– they clean the air, bring back wildlife, and help restore the soil.

Smritivan
One of Dr. Nair’s most meaningful projects is the Smritivan forest in Kutch, Gujarat. But this isn’t just any forest– it was created in memory of those who lost their lives in the 2001 Gujarat earthquake. Spread across 470 acres and filled with over 300,000 trees, Smritivan stands as a powerful symbol of strength and recovery. For the people of Kutch, it’s more than just a green space– it’s a peaceful place to remember, reflect, and find comfort. By building this forest, Dr. Nair didn’t just bring life back to barren land– he also gave the community a place to heal and reconnect.

Dr. Nair’s ambitious vision
But Dr. Nair isn’t stopping here. He has a bold goal– to plant 100 crore trees by 2030. Through his Enviro Creators Foundation , he’s already helped plant millions, and he’s continuing to grow his efforts one forest at a time. His mission isn’t just about big numbers– it’s about bringing back lost ecosystems, protecting wildlife, and encouraging more people to take part.

A big part of his work involves local communities. Dr. Nair believes that real change starts with people on the ground. His idea is simple but powerful: bring people together to plant trees, heal the land, and take care of the planet.

A nationwide movement
Dr. Nair’s efforts have sparked a nationwide movement. From schools to corporate offices, communities are embracing the Miyawaki method to create their own green spaces. Businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that involve environmental sustainability, and many are partnering with Dr. Nair’s foundation to help expand this green revolution.

Dr. Nair’s enduring impact
What really makes Dr. Nair’s work stand out isn’t just the way he’s changed the land– it’s the way he’s inspiring people. His commitment to the environment has sparked a sense of purpose in people across India, encouraging them to step up and take action for a greener future. As Mahindra noted, “I am just grateful that we have such heroes amongst us.”