‘Gutli Man of India’ turns discarded mango seeds into a nationwide green movement
Kolkata: On a scorching afternoon in Kolkata, amidst the cacophony of city life, Jasmit Singh Arora walks through a narrow lane with a small paper bag in his hand. Inside are discarded mango seeds, known as gutlis, collected from neighbors, schools, and office colleagues.
To most, they are remnants of a sweet summer fruit, easily tossed aside. For Jasmit, each seed is a potential tree, a promise of fruit, and part of a larger vision to reconnect India’s urban and rural communities, revive biodiversity, and support farmers.
“I am neither a farmer nor a botanist. I am just someone who loves mangoes and believes that even a single seed can change the world,” says the 53-year-old. “Every gutli you see as waste can turn into a tree that gives food and shelter and supports life.
”Jasmit, who calls himself the ‘Gutli Man of India,’ describes himself as a social entrepreneur from Kolkata. His mission goes beyond profit, focusing on the environment, farmers, and educating future generations.
What began as a personal effort to save mango seeds has grown into a seeded revolution. The movement now inspires thousands across India to collect and plant gutlis, turning summer waste into orchards that sustain biodiversity and provide economic support to rural communities.
