Padma Shri Awardee Chami Murmu's 35-Year Green Revolution Transforms Jharkhand
In the heart of Jharkhand, a remarkable story of environmental stewardship and community empowerment continues to unfold. Chami Murmu, a 55-year-old tribal woman from Bhagrasai village in the Rajnagar block, has become a national symbol of grassroots conservation through her extraordinary three-and-a-half-decade mission.
The Genesis of a Green Visionary
Chami's profound connection with nature began at the tender age of nine, nurtured by her late grandfather, Lal Murmu, whom she considers her lifelong idol. "I learned from him that conserving nature is essential for human existence," Chami recalls. "At religious gatherings, he would passionately speak about protecting our flora and fauna." This early education planted the seeds for what would become her life's work.
Her journey took a challenging turn when she lost her father and elder brother, forcing her to become the sole breadwinner for her three young siblings and ailing mother. Despite significant financial hardships, Chami discovered a path forward during a district administration livelihood meeting in 1989, where she learned about women's self-help groups and their potential for empowerment.
Building an Environmental Legacy
In that pivotal year, Chami founded Sahayogi Mahila, an NGO that would become the engine of her environmental movement. Initially facing skepticism from family members, she persevered, and her purposeful vision gradually won their support. A year after establishing her organization, Chami embarked on her first forest conservation activities.
The scale of her achievement is staggering:
- Formation of a network involving 35,000 village women
- Planting of 34 lakh (3.4 million) trees across 500-plus villages
- Transformation of 800 hectares of barren land in the Seraikela subdivision
- Annual planting of approximately 1 lakh (100,000) saplings
Her reforestation efforts have focused on diverse species including:
- Seesham (Indian rosewood)
- Sal
- Eucalyptus
- Neem
- Acacia
- Mango
These plantings have helped replenish forests that were allegedly devastated by timber mafias, restoring ecological balance across the Seraikela-Kharsawan district.
Beyond Environmentalism: Socio-Economic Transformation
Chami's work extends far beyond tree planting. She has been instrumental in forming numerous self-help groups, helping countless women secure bank loans and credit facilities. This dual focus on environmental conservation and socio-economic upliftment has created a sustainable model for community development.
"Between 1990 and 2023, we planted over 30 lakh saplings," Chami states, highlighting the consistent growth of her initiative. Her organization's work has transformed not just landscapes but lives, creating economic opportunities while preserving natural heritage.
National Recognition for Grassroots Leadership
Chami's extraordinary contributions have earned her significant national honors. In 2019, the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development recognized her work with the prestigious Nari Shakti Award. This was followed in 2024 by one of India's highest civilian honors—the Padma Shri—awarded in recognition of her exceptional service to both environmental conservation and community development.
Her story represents more than individual achievement; it demonstrates how grassroots leadership can create lasting environmental and social change. Through Sahayogi Mahila, Chami Murmu has built a sustainable model that continues to grow, with her network of women ensuring that the green revolution she started will flourish for generations to come.
