Jaisalmer: In the arid expanse of Rajasthan's Barmer district, Bheraram Bhakhar has emerged as a beacon of hope and environmental change. Known affectionately as the 'tree teacher,' the 46-year-old educator has devoted his life to combating desertification and promoting biodiversity through relentless tree plantation efforts.Bhakhar's journey began in July 1999 when, as a student, he initiated the 'Plant Trees, Save Life' campaign, planting 50 saplings in Dhola Akra. This formative experience ignited a passion for environmental conservation that only grew stronger. After joining the Rajasthan education department as a govt teacher in 2002, he invested his first salary into tree planting, a commitment he has upheld annually, dedicating one month's salary to this noble cause. Currently earning Rs 90,000 per month, Bhakhar's dedication to the environment remains unwavering. Traveling across Rajasthan on his bike, Bhakhar claims to have covered over 32,000-km, conducting street meetings and visiting schools to educate communities about the importance of environmental conservation. He says to date, he has connected 1.6 lakh individuals to his campaign, focusing on protecting and replanting indigenous trees. For the past 26 years, during the monsoon season, Bhakhar has distributed and planted 50 to 60 saplings for free in villages, creating a network of 'tree friends' who he entrusts with the responsibility of nurturing the young trees. His innovative concept of family forestry encourages families to treat trees as integral members of their households. In addition to running a Gandhi institutional environmental nursery in his village, Bhakhar spearheads SAFE (Students Action for Environment), promoting Ayurvedic and medicinal plants. His initiatives, including the 'Great Tree Rescue Campaign' and the proposed Great Tree Pension Scheme, emphasise the need to protect ancient trees, recognizing their ecological and cultural significance. In 2023, Bhakhar launched the ambitious '300 Trees, One Life' campaign, directly addressing urgent environmental challenges such as climate change, deforestation and soil erosion. His relentless efforts have inspired hope and fostered a sense of environmental responsibility among the people, proving that one person's determination can indeed transform landscapes and lives.