In a remarkable story of dedication and environmental stewardship, a couple from Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district has transformed personal grief into a legacy of greenery. Dinanath Kol and his wife Nanki Devi, residents of Dhurkuch village in the Dabhaura region, chose to devote their lives to planting and nurturing trees after being unable to have children. Over the past 35 years, the couple has planted more than 10,000 saplings and converted nearly 105 acres of barren land into a dense forest.

Today, their creation stands as a symbol of perseverance, environmental protection, and community inspiration. What was once dry, rocky, and unproductive land is now covered with thousands of trees, providing a natural habitat for wildlife and contributing to the region's ecological balance.

According to local residents, the forest has become a well-known landmark in the area and is often referred to as a living example of how individual efforts can bring about significant environmental change.

A Mission Born from Adversity

Dinanath Kol recalls that his journey began in 1990 when he collected discarded mango seeds while returning from a local event and planted them on unused land. Many of the saplings failed to survive during the early years due to harsh conditions and limited resources. However, he remained committed to the effort.

The couple had faced social criticism and emotional challenges because they did not have children. During that difficult period, Nanki Devi suggested that instead of dwelling on their disappointment, they should dedicate themselves to a meaningful cause that would leave a lasting impact on society.

Inspired by that idea, the couple began planting trees regularly and gradually expanded their efforts. Over time, what started as a small initiative evolved into a vast forest ecosystem.

A Haven for Wildlife and Nature

The forest now contains a variety of fruit-bearing and medicinal trees, including mango, gooseberry, guava, and jujube. The dense greenery has significantly improved the local environment and helped restore biodiversity in the area.

Reports suggest that peacocks, deer, nilgai, rabbits, and numerous bird species now inhabit the forest. The once-barren landscape has become a thriving ecosystem filled with birdsong and natural vegetation.

Environmental observers note that such grassroots initiatives play an important role in combating land degradation, improving air quality, and supporting wildlife conservation.

The couple's journey was not without obstacles. To ensure a steady water supply for the saplings, they arranged for a well to be dug. However, the structure was later filled in after being classified as an encroachment. Water shortages led to the loss of several plants, but the couple continued their work despite the setbacks.

A Legacy of Dedication

Dinanath Kol says he considers the trees his children and has spent much of his life caring for them. Watching the forest grow has brought him a sense of fulfillment and purpose that extends beyond personal circumstances.

Their story highlights the power of determination and selfless service. At a time when environmental conservation has become a global priority, the couple's efforts demonstrate how individuals can make a lasting contribution to nature and society.

As governments and communities focus on increasing green cover and addressing climate challenges, the 105-acre forest created by Dinanath Kol and Nanki Devi stands as a powerful reminder that meaningful change often begins with a single act of commitment.

Their journey continues to inspire environmentalists, local communities, and nature lovers across the region, proving that dedication and vision can transform even the most barren landscapes into thriving ecosystems.

An emotional reunion between a daughter and her missing mother in Chhattisgarh’s Bhilai has drawn widespread attention after an 11-month-long search finally came to an end. Pooja, a resident of Bhagalpur in Bihar, reunited with her mother Babita Devi at a local ashram in Bhilai after months of uncertainty, police visits and desperate efforts to trace her. The emotional meeting left family members, ashram workers and onlookers in tears as the mother and daughter embraced each other after nearly a year apart.

According to family members, 65-year-old Babita Devi had left her home on June 3, 2025, saying she was travelling to her maternal home in Jagatpur and would return within 10 days. However, she never came back. Initially, the family believed she may have stayed back for a few extra days, but as weeks passed without any information, concern began turning into fear. Her daughter Pooja then started an extensive search across several districts in Bihar, visiting railway stations, bus stands, temples and old-age homes in the hope of finding her mother.

Pooja said she travelled across Bhagalpur, Katihar, Purnia and Naugachia carrying her mother’s photographs. Posters were printed and pasted in public places while repeated appeals were made to local police stations. She claimed she visited nearly every possible location where her mother could have been found. Despite continuous efforts, no clue emerged for several months. Family members slowly began losing hope as the search stretched from days into months.

During this difficult period, Pooja reportedly visited Vrindavan and Mathura seeking spiritual guidance. She later met spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj and shared details about her missing mother. According to Pooja, she was advised to perform a special prayer ritual daily with faith and patience. She said she continued the prayers regularly for nearly three hours each day while still trying to search for her mother through every possible means.

The breakthrough reportedly came unexpectedly on May 11 this year when Pooja received a phone call while she was at a coaching institute. The call informed her that her mother had been found at the ‘Feel Parmartham’ Ashram in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh. Police officials from Banka district reportedly coordinated with the ashram after receiving information related to Babita Devi’s identity. The call immediately changed the situation for the family, which had almost accepted the possibility that they might never find her.

Pooja said she immediately decided to travel to Bhilai despite not having a confirmed railway reservation. She boarded the South Bihar Express in the general compartment and travelled overnight to Chhattisgarh. According to her, the journey was physically exhausting due to heat and overcrowding, but her focus remained only on meeting her mother after nearly a year of separation.

The emotional reunion took place when Pooja reached the Bhilai-based ‘Feel Parmartham’ Ashram. Witnesses present at the ashram said the daughter ran toward her mother and hugged her tightly while both broke down in tears. Pooja was also seen touching her mother’s feet as several people present at the location became emotional watching the reunion. Videos and photographs from the meeting quickly circulated on social media and attracted widespread public attention.

Ashram members later explained that Babita Devi had been found wandering near the Kachandur Mod area close to Bhilai several months earlier. Since she was unable to clearly remember her address or family details, the ashram provided her shelter, food and care. According to the ashram staff, Babita Devi repeatedly said she wanted to return home but could not recall complete information about her family. The only phrase she consistently remembered was “Jagatpur Banka,” which eventually became the key clue in tracing her relatives.

After connecting the clue with local authorities, police and ashram volunteers managed to identify and contact Pooja. Family members described the reunion as nothing short of miraculous. Pooja publicly thanked the ashram management for caring for her mother during the difficult period and ensuring her safety. She stated that the ashram had returned her “entire world” back to her.

Pooja also revealed that she never saw her father, who was allegedly kidnapped before her birth. Her father, Punyadev Singh, was reportedly employed as a manager with Central Coalfields Limited at the time of his disappearance. Since then, Babita Devi had single-handedly raised her daughter and fulfilled the responsibilities of both parents. Pooja described her mother as her only family and emotional support.

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