A college principal who turned his campus into a forest

A college principal becomes a green warrior, turns campus into a forest

Inspiring change doesn’t always require grand gestures—it can start with a single sapling. Dr. Sasikanta Dash, the principal of Tagore Arts & Science College in Puducherry, has proven that one person’s commitment and will to be a force for good, can transform an entire landscape, literally.

When Dr. Dash first arrived at the college, he was greeted by barren land. Growing up in Odisha, surrounded by lush greenery until floods ravaged his village in 1984, he was deeply moved by the devastation. Driven by this experience, he made it his life’s mission to restore and protect nature wherever possible.

With determination, Dr. Dash launched a greening initiative on the campus, planting nearly 8,000 trees over eight years. His efforts didn’t stop at planting; he turned tree-planting into a creative engagement for students. Those caught cheating in exams had to plant a tree, and gifting saplings became a tradition among the students.

The journey wasn’t easy. In the beginning, Dr. Dash faced criticism from teachers and students alike, and even local cattle owners resisted his efforts. But perseverance paid off. Today, the campus is a thriving green oasis, offering shade and clean air while being 3 degrees cooler in the scorching summer heat.

The transformation goes beyond greenery. A rainwater harvesting system holds 1.2 million litres of water, ensuring sustainable water use, and the college canteen serves meals made with organic vegetables grown on-campus. By integrating organic farming practices into campus life, Dr. Dash is nurturing a culture of sustainability and environmental conservation, turning the campus into a living example of how small changes can create lasting impact. These efforts have not gone unnoticed—Dr. Dash has been honoured with the Chief Minister’s Award, and the campus is now recognised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, as a must-visit destination.

His message is simple yet profound: “Each one, teach one, and plant one. That’s how our planet will survive.”

Aditya Birla Group is happy to partner The Better India to give voice to inspiring stories of people acting as #AForceForGood.