At 22, he vowed to plant 1 crore trees; Today 14 lakh saplings later, his forest dream grows

New Delhi: At an age when most youth chase careers, Adesh Soni decided to build forests. At just 22, he set an ambitious goal – to plant 10 million trees across India. Many laughed when he began planting saplings in 42-degree heat, spending his own savings.

He kept going through scorching summers, heavy rains and setbacks, with his parents standing by him.

What started with one sapling became a movement. He founded ‘Touch for Earth’, an initiative that encourages people, especially children, to protect nature.

Today, the movement has planted more than 14 lakh native trees across Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

Over 2 lakh children have been given saplings to nurture, learning conservation through experience. Where the trees have taken root, birds, bees and butterflies have returned and barren lands have turned green.

For Adesh, 14 lakh is not the finish line. His 10-million target still stands.