Harbhajan Singh is the sarpanch of Asarpur village. He could get anyone in the village to look after the mini forest he created in collaboration with us. But he decided to look after the 3000 newly planted saplings himself.
It all began in 2019 when Harbhajan Singh reached out to us to create a mini forest in an abandoned plot near the village cremation ground. 3000 saplings were planted in that plot. The trend is that not all saplings planted survive to grow into trees. At RoundGlass Foundation we have a success rate of 98%. Harbhajan Singh ensured that he surpassed our success rate.
The sarpanch took it upon himself to look after these saplings. He would take care of them like they were his own children. Right from them receiving the right amount of water to zero pest-attacks or saving them from cattle. He showered the saplings with his care, love, and dedication. And then a miracle happened. All 3000 saplings took root and are growing up into lush green, healthy trees. 100% success rate with saplings is something we rarely experience.
With such an exemplary act, the sarpanch of the village has set a shining example for others to follow. The mini forest in Asarpur village has many caretakers now.