Young Eco-Activist Drives Reforestation Efforts by Planting More Than 150,000 Trees in India
How young must an individual be to create significant positive change in the world? A preteen referred to by some as the “Indian Greta Thunberg” has provided an answer to that query for nearly half her lifetime. At 12 years old, Prasiddhi Singh has already planted over 150,000 trees in India, with no intention of halting at this commendable figure.
Singh is regarded as India’s youngest environmental advocate. After experiencing the impact of a cyclone at merely 7 years old, she commenced pursuing her dedication to environmentalism by reestablishing “fruit forests,” with the hope that they would ultimately offer protection against future storms. This initiative has resulted in much more than just trees—it has also instilled hope in numerous communities throughout India and further afield.
“Fruit forests” represent Singh’s environmental focus, following a straightforward yet brilliant business model. By cultivating a variety of fruit-bearing trees, these forests foster biodiverse ecosystems. These ecosystems are not only suitable for reforestation but also serve to offer protection and assistance to food-insecure communities.
The idea has gained traction across the nation, and Singh has attracted many volunteers to aid in the establishment of her fruit forests. A majority of these volunteers come from Tamil Nadu, Singh’s native state.
By the age of 8, Singh informed the Times of India that she had successfully planted over 10 fruit forests with volunteer assistance. It was also at this age that she was honored with her first award (India’s highest civilian recognition for children) in 2021 for her reforestation work, the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar.
Now at 12, Singh’s experiences and achievements have evolved with her. She has established multiple fruit forests, embarked on the challenging task of restoring lakes and mangroves across India, and delivered speeches at various events, including TEDx talks and UN Climate Change summits. Singh also founded the Prasiddhi Forest Foundation and was recently recognized as the June 2025 Young Planet Leader.
Established in 2018, the Prasiddhi Forest Foundation aims to educate and motivate environmental reforestation and conservation initiatives through workshops, events, and classes. The foundation revolves around a “3G Network,” a clever twist on a technological phrase that emphasizes “generating” your own oxygen, “growing” your own food, and “gifting” these efforts to the community.
Prasiddhi Singh’s extraordinary journey is just commencing, demonstrating that age is no obstacle to effecting change. Through passion, determination, and resilience, even the youngest individuals can motivate the world and sow the seeds for a more sustainable and supportive future.
To find out more about Singh’s endeavors and foundation, visit the Prasiddhi Forest Foundation website.