Bangalore, fondly called “The city of Gardens” inspired fables and verses alike. With an unbelievably pleasant weather throughout the year, it was a green haven for decades. Corporatisation of the city and rapid influx of the IT industry brought jobs and investments galore, but took a toll on the natural beauty the city was blessed with. While concrete jungles started birthing, trees were felled at a pace that worried the old timers and tree lovers. That's when a motley group of individuals - software engineers at work and passionate tree lovers at heart came together, and ‘SayTrees’ was born.
SayTrees is a professionally run group of ordinary people extraordinarily determined to protect the environment not just by themselves, but also by sensitising others towards the importance of environment conservation and goading them on to participate in tree-plantation campaigns. Though it started off as a weekend pursuit in 2007 now it does more than 50 tree plantation drives in 4 months of monsoon. SayTrees spearheads a variety of initiatives including research, education, sensitisation and advocacy around the importance of environmental preservation and tree plantation. The group thrives on its vast volunteer base that runs into thousands, from young children to busy professionals, housewives and retired citizens. Today, SayTrees organizes tree plantations and water conservation projects across several Indian cities. We pro-actively engage in identifying potential areas for plantation, keeping in mind the biodiversity and ecological milieu of the local area. We try ensuring that the local communities reap multifold benefits; besides restoring the green cover, the trees also provide them with fruits, flowers, leaves etc commonly used in the community life.
Our mission is to sensitise and empower people to give back to nature and live in an environment conducive to their health and well-being. Say Trees inspires citizens to spare just a few hours on weekends and work towards making their cities, and their lives greener. For seven years, we have worked untiringly with individuals and corporate teams alike to help change the landscape in Bangalore. We take pride in having fostered a buzzing community of tree lovers who continue to inspire and induct so many more in their fold. And yet, we are just at the beginning of a revolution. Our long term plans entail taking tree plantation drives to more number of cities and inducting many more tree enthusiasts, particularly corporate teams, to be able to amplify both scale and impact of our efforts.
Interested in being a part of our mission ? SayTrees!!!
SayTrees is registered as an NGO under Indian Trust Act 1982 (Reg. No. - BNG(U)BGR/26/2013-2014).
Registered under 12A and 80G of Income Tax.
Hold FCRA certificate to receive donations from outside India.
Kapil founded SayTrees in 2007 when he could not see the garden city loosing its green cover. We take pride in the work we do and Kapil is responsible for this with his never ending passion and dedication to SayTrees.
Lt. Commander Deokant Payasi is a retired Indian Naval veteran. An IIM Bangalore alumnus is the brains behind our strategy that have helped us stay ahead of the game.
A man of the people and a true social warrior.
Durgesh left his corporate job with an aim to save Earth by joining hands with SayTrees. He initiates and executes the projects with utmost passion. He echoes the mission of SayTrees across geographical boundaries.
Nitin is spearheading SayTrees projects in north India. His extremely methodical and calculative approach helps us plan and execute a project. A free thinker, travel enthusiast, Nitin can be seen in martial art dojo in his free time.
Shashank is an entrepreneur, who is the man behind SayTrees in upping the ante. He’s a hidden gem, proficient in creating growth strategies. An archery fanatic, loves backpacking across India.
Madhusudhan has his expertise towards serving the social and environmental sectors. His experience of liaising with volunteers ensures growth. A biotechnologist by academics, has a special interest in practicing organic terrace gardening.
A mechanical engineer from IIT Roorkee, Shivam is from Pinjore, a town overlooking the Shivalik Hills. His work at SayTrees combines his love for engineering and nature. An avid interest in cooking, he always appreciates a good game of chess.
A mechanical engineer graduate, taking care of operations and ensuring that we are compliant to rules and regulations. Arpnan has a zeal for bettering things. A football enthusiast, playing tennis is her zen.
Mudassir is the backbone of SayTrees. He executes the plantation with utmost ease and with least uncertainties; and maintains highest quality. His passion for trees can be seen in his work.
Poonam advises SayTrees in conservation of native species, improving the ecosystem services, and producing higher yield by enhancing Plant Nutrient.
Manu advises SayTrees on the crucial role of depolluting air, water and soil to improve public health especially for future generations.