Karunakar Reddy bags 1st Jadav Payeng International Award

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 8, 2024

The newly established Padma Shri Jadav Payeng International Award for Environmental Stewardship and Leadership in Climate Action will be presented to M. Karunakar Reddy, recognized for his extensive contributions to environmental conservation.

Known as the “Water Man of the South” and “Green Man of India,” Reddy has played a leading role in water conservation, land restoration, forestation, climate action, and raising awareness of sustainable practices.

The Padma Shri Jadav Payeng International Award for Environmental Stewardship and Leadership in Climate Action will be presented annually starting in 2025 by the Jyoti-Pratap Education Trust from Jorhat, Assam.

Named in honour of Jadav Payeng, known as the “Forest Man of India” for his remarkable reforestation efforts, this award recognizes individuals or institutions worldwide who demonstrate exceptional commitment to environmental protection and sustainable practices.

The selection committee for the award includes Jyoti-Pratap Education Trust secretary Pratap Saikia, Jadav Payeng himself, international environmental activist Rituraj Phukan, retired geography professor Dr. Bharat Bora, and retired environmental geography professor Dr. Avani Bhagawati. Applications for the award will be accepted each July, with more details available on the trust’s website.

The Jyoti-Pratap Education Trust, established in 2021, also runs Jyoti-Pratap Gyanmarg Vidyalaya, providing free education to underprivileged children. In addition, the trust has developed community projects, including a crematorium, old age home, orphanage, and the “Guru seat,” aimed at fostering respect for teachers among students.