Prayagraj (UP), January 11: As the Maha Kumbh 2025 draws near, prominent saints- sadhu, including Mahamandaleshwar Avdhoot Baba, known as ‘Environment Baba,’ and Baba Digambar Ajay Giri, also called ‘Rudraksh Baba,’ have arrived in Prayagraj. The grand religious event is set to commence on Monday, and the saints are urging devotees to adopt environmentally conscious practices.
Avdhoot Baba, popularly referred to as ‘Environment Baba,’ emphasized the teachings of Sanatan Dharma, which advocate for planting two trees: one to provide wood for final rites and a Peepal tree for oxygen. “So far, I have performed 82 rituals, and my followers from nearly 30 countries have pledged to plant over one crore trees across India,” he stated. Recalling a 2016 march from Vaishnodevi to Kanyakumari, he added, “We planted trees in 27 states, and since then, devotees started calling me Environment Baba.”
Highlighting his long-standing mission, Baba remarked, “During Covid, the world realized the value of oxygen. Since 2010, I have been advocating for planting trees to ensure the availability of this vital resource. Sanatan Dharma teaches this as a duty for everyone.” He also shared that during the pandemic, he traveled in a specially equipped vehicle in Rishikesh, ensuring a Covid-free zone within a one-kilometer radius of where he performed rituals.
Joining him at Prayagraj is Baba Digambar Ajay Giri, alias ‘Rudraksh Baba,’ from Niranjani Panchayati Akhara. Known for adorning 11,000 Rudraksh beads on his body, he has become a unique figure among the saints attending the Maha Kumbh.
As preparations for the grand event unfold, the presence of these spiritual leaders underscores the message of ecological responsibility and spiritual harmony.
