In recognition of her tireless efforts toward environmental protection, tribal welfare, and women’s empowerment, the Government of India has conferred the prestigious Padma Shri on Ms. Chami Murmu of Jharkhand.
Often referred to as the “Tree Woman of Jharkhand”, Ms. Murmu has spent over two decades promoting afforestation, eco-awareness, and rural upliftment in the tribal belts of eastern India. Her grassroots movement has resulted in the planting of over three million trees, transforming barren landscapes into green corridors and restoring ecological balance in deforested regions.
Ms. Murmu’s work extends far beyond environmental conservation. Through her organization and community initiatives, she has:
- Mobilized thousands of rural women to engage in plantation drives and sustainable forest-based livelihoods
- Promoted eco-tourism and herbal medicine practices rooted in tribal knowledge
- Led awareness campaigns on biodiversity, climate change, and water conservation
- Empowered women with skills and income opportunities, helping them achieve economic independence
Her work bridges traditional ecological wisdom with modern sustainability practices.
“I don’t just plant trees — I plant hope for the next generation,” Ms. Murmu once said. Her life has become a symbol of how one woman can ignite change in both nature and society, even in the most remote corners of the country.
The conferment of the Padma Shri on Ms. Chami Murmu is a tribute to her dedication, resilience, and visionary leadership in the fields of social work and environmental justice, inspiring citizens to care for both people and planet.
