No. 11, 20th L Cross Rd, Viveknagar post, Ashwini Layout, Ejipura, Bengaluru, Karnataka - 560047
Restoration & Future
Healing the lands that lost their green,
Building the richest forests India’s ever seen.
About us
Back in November 2005, one woman chose to plant trees in fond memory of her husband who had just passed away. The trees thus planted would be a living legacy of the loving couple. She went knocking on her neighbours' doors, asking if they would be willing to adopt a tree that she would plant for them, for free. People opened their doors and hearts to the offer of "free trees," and thus was born the Rajanet Yegneswaran Charitable Trust, which was simply called "Trees for Free." Thirteen years and thousands of trees later, the name was changed to "Reforest India" to widen the circle of impact. Reforest India continues to be a fully volunteer-run charity, driven by the inherent kindness of people and the deep-rooted human belief in the power of trees to heal Mother Earth. After all, planting a tree is the single most effective action any individual or organization can take to cool the globe and heal the world. As the volunteers say, "To save the planet, call Janet!" @ +91 98454 49703
VISITING CARDS
SHINE OR RAIN
PLANTING WITH BOLERO
Team & Community
Rooted in Purpose: Meet the Reforest India Team
Behind every planted seed is a dedicated group of environmental champions.
JANET S.K. YEGNESWARAN
TRUSTEE - FOUNDER PRESIDENT
DIPLOMA IN SECRETARIAL PRACTICE
GARDEN CONSULTANT & LANDSCAPE DESIGNER
Koramangala - Bangalore
As President of Rotary
3 year contract with BOSCH
Community Development Centre - Anekal
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Women Empowerment: Classes on wire bag making. This programme enables women to make market-ready bags.
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Kuchu / Tassel Making: Women learn traditional saree tassel making, enabling them to take up orders locally, earn additional income, and strengthen their livelihood through home-based work.
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Beautician Basic Course: This equips women with practical skills in pedicure, manicure, hair styling, streaking, facials, waxing, and threading, enabling them to take up home-based services and earn additional income.
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Low-Cost Agriculture Training: Classes for farmers with field visits to mushroom cultivation, fish rearing, and goat farming centers for practical knowledge.
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Veterinary Camps: Held in interior villages of Anekal to improve the health of livestock through vaccination, de-worming, and administering other medicines to reduce animal diseases.
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Arts & Crafts: Conducted in Govt. Primary Schools to help children improve creativity.
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Sanitary Pad Distribution: Includes awareness sessions on menstrual hygiene.
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Mind Mapping Classes: Held in Govt. Schools to help improve memory, creativity, and learning skills, enabling students to understand lessons better and organize ideas more effectively.
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CPR Training: For college students to equip them with essential life-saving skills and improve their ability to respond confidently during emergencies.
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Physiotherapy – Posture Correction: Helps students understand correct posture, reduce the risk of back and neck pain, and adopt healthy habits to improve overall physical well-being.
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Swachh Bharat Awareness: Organized in villages, schools, and colleges.
meet the team
Powered by our people
JEFFORD WILSON
TRUSTEE & VICE PRESIDENT
Listening to a radio interview with President Janet Yegneswaran years ago led me to become a member of this organization. Reforest India’s mission is to facilitate large-scale tree planting across South India, and my experience with the organization has highlighted the significant impact of grassroots efforts. Each initiative we undertake from urban medians in Bengaluru to rural agro-forestry and food-forestry is based on accountability, community involvement, and enduring environmental effects. Listening to a radio interview with President Janet Yegneswaran years ago led me to become a member of this organization. Reforest India’s mission is to facilitate large-scale tree planting across South India, and my experience with the organization has highlighted the significant impact of grassroots efforts. Each initiative we undertake from urban medians in Bengaluru to rural agro-forestry and food-forestry is based on accountability, community involvement, and enduring environmental effects.
NAGARAJA V
SECRETARY
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RAVINDRANATH MANVI
TRUSTEE & TREASURER
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VIVEK GUPTA
TRUSTEE
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meet the team
Legal Advisors
RAGAVENDRA PRASAD
MSC LLB - ADVOCATE
Raghu Dodaballapur: An Integral Part of My Life — Reforest India ❤️🌱 In 2013, my friend Mahesh told me, “There is an organization called Tree for Free. They plant trees free of cost. You should meet them once.” That simple introduction marked the beginning of a journey that has continued to this day and has become an integral part of my life. What began as our association with Tree for Free has now grown into a beautiful journey with Reforest India. Over the years, we have planted countless trees and been involved in numerous social service activities. It is impossible—and perhaps unnecessary—to keep track of every number. Some contributions cannot be measured in numbers; their true value can only be experienced. The mother of this organization and my guiding force, Mrs. Janet Yagneshwaran, has always treated us like members of one family. She has never hesitated to point out our mistakes, guide us in the right direction, and hold our hands when we needed support. The care, affection, and guidance she continues to show us even today are truly immeasurable and remain a constant source of inspiration to me. So far, we have planted more than 40,000 saplings, benefiting farmers as well as the environment. I feel immensely proud and happy to say that I am a small part of this wonderful journey and this meaningful mission. Our work has not been limited to planting trees. We have also had the privilege of being part of numerous social service initiatives that have touched many lives. 💡 Distribution of around 1,000 solar lights to rural households 🏫 Distribution of free solar lights to schools 🍚 Distribution of more than 2,500 ration kits door-to-door during the COVID-19 pandemic 😷 Distribution of masks 🩺 Free health check-up camps ✏️ Distribution of pens, pencils, and books to school children 👟 Distribution of shoes to children 🚲 Distribution of bicycles to students in need And these are just a few of the many initiatives we have been fortunate enough to be a part of. Throughout this journey, I have met hundreds of wonderful people, built countless relationships, connected with many hearts, and learned some of the most valuable lessons of life. There simply aren't enough words to describe these experiences… they have to be lived to be truly understood. Planting a tree is not merely about putting a sapling into the ground; it is about planting a future. Helping someone is not merely about changing one day of their life; it is about giving them hope and making their life a little brighter. I am deeply grateful to the entire Reforest India family for giving me the opportunity to be a part of all these meaningful initiatives. My heartfelt thanks especially go to my mentor, Mrs. Janet Yagneshwaran. Really, my life is so valuable and meaningful because I am a part of Reforest India. ❤️🌱 May this journey continue forever… May more trees grow, May more lives be illuminated, May more hearts come together. I am truly proud to be a part of the Reforest India family. 🌳❤️ Really, my life is so valuable and meaningful because I am a part of Reforest India. ❤️🌱
meet the team
Felicitator and Mentor
Testimonial by Thomas Haeussler
Profession: Executive Coach BOSCH India, Germany, Augsbyrg, Bavaria. Vacation: Bee Keeping
Some time ago, I had the chance to meet Janet, the founder of Reforest India, in Bangalore. Together we visited farmers in the region and were welcomed with wonderful hospitality. Janet showed us her demonstration site, where she trials different plants and fruit varieties to open up new perspectives for local farmers, supported by training and hands-on assistance on the ground. We even got to harvest dragon fruit together, freshly ripened at just the right moment. What struck me most was a mango plantation of several hundred trees she had planted years earlier, now mature and yielding abundant harvests. What impressed me most, though, was Janet herself: her charisma, her instinct for bringing people together around a shared idea, and her deep expertise. She drives her projects selflessly, with great passion and consistency. That was what immediately won me over and gave me the impulse to support her work. Testimonial by Thomas Haeussler, Profession: Executive Coach BOSCH India, Germany, Augsbyrg, Bavaria. Vacation: Bee Keeping Those impressions led to a first round of marketing ideas Janet and I worked out together, the start of my work as a mentor for Reforest India.
meet the team
PILLARS OF OUR ORGANISATION
Vinod Lal Eswaran
Foundation Stone and Backbone of our Organisation
Vinod Lal designed ReforestIndia logo, Monkey T Shirts, Pongemia Seed Visting Cards. Organised Planting by Corporate CEOs with abandoned bird nests. He along with his family Seema and Siddarth has been a constant support for the organisation. What impressed me most, though, was Janet herself: her charisma, her instinct for bringing people together around a shared idea, and her deep expertise. She drives her projects selflessly, with great passion and consistency. That was what immediately won me over and gave me the impulse to support her work. Testimonial by Thomas Haeussler, Profession: Executive Coach BOSCH India, Germany, Augsbyrg, Bavaria. Vacation: Bee Keeping Those impressions led to a first round of marketing ideas Janet and I worked out together, the start of my work as a mentor for Reforest India.
Award Winning Film by ReforestIndia
Gift a Food Forest
For generations to come
LATE PREM KUMAR
B E COMPUTER ENGINEER
Prem Kumar left us forever but lives on in our hearts. His kind heart, tireless hard work, and unconditional support to the needy and tribes of Ooty will always be an inspiration. We give thanks for his life, his compassion, and the legacy of love and service he has left behind. 🌿 A Life of Service: Remembering Prem Kumar (1966–2025) 🌿 Some lives are not measured by years but by the lives they touch. Prem Kumar was one such rare soul. An engineer from Mysore University, Prem found his true calling in service. In 2007, introduced to the Kota tribals of Ooty by his late brother Jaikumar, he moved into their community, learned their language, and became one of their own. He opened a play home for Kota children, arranged uniforms and transport, personally coached them, and helped many enter Kendriya Vidyalaya and later college. Prem mentored a young boy, Shiva, guiding him until he completed his MCA, and trained Neeji Sarasvathi, who went on to reclaim forest land with her people and later win election as a corporator in Ooty. His compassion extended beyond Ooty. He carried persons with disabilities on his scooter to get fitted with prosthetic limbs, supported leprosy-cured patients with computers and wheelchairs, organized health camps for grave diggers, distributed rations and blankets during Covid, and stood beside the most forgotten. Prem also supported migrant workers in Bangalore, tutored tribal children online, helped poachers’ children find new livelihoods, fought for unpaid civic workers, and championed environmental restoration with ReforestIndia’s Food Forest project. Even while managing a heart condition diagnosed in 2016, he continued to give — tutoring, arranging rations, and running a small tea business in Bangalore to sustain himself. On 17 August 2025, Prem passed away at 59. His eyes were donated. He is survived by his adopted daughters Devadarshini and Pinky, and the countless lives he uplifted. For the Kota of Ooty, he was family. For workers and laborers of Bangalore, he was a tireless advocate. For all of us, he remains proof that one life of service can uplift many. Prem Kumar lived simply, gave fully, and leaves behind a legacy that will not fade. 1 May 1966 – 17 August 2025 Forever remembered, forever missed.
VICTOR ALBERTS
A Musician by birth. He was born into a family of musicians. The Reforestindia Title Song ‘Kadavva’ was written and composed by Victor and was sung by his student Inchara.
VASUKI KRISHNAN
VOLUNTEER
Being a part of Reforest India has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my volunteer journey. What started as an opportunity to contribute to the environment has grown into a cause that I genuinely care about. Every tree plantation drive I’ve participated in has reminded me that meaningful change begins with small, consistent actions and a community that believes in making a difference. Over time, I have had the privilege of being involved in multiple tree plantation drives, contributing to social media initiatives to help spread awareness, and supporting projects such as the Food Forest initiative. Being able to work across different aspects of the organization has given me a deeper appreciation for the dedication, planning, and teamwork that goes into every project. It’s inspiring to see how Reforest India not only plants trees but also nurtures ecosystems, educates communities, and encourages sustainable living.
What I value most is the passion of the people behind this mission. Every volunteer, coordinator, and team member shares a common goal of creating a greener and healthier future. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and it motivates me to continue giving my time and skills whenever I can. I am proud to be a volunteer with Reforest India and grateful for the opportunity to contribute in my own way. Knowing that our collective efforts today will leave a lasting impact for future generations makes every early morning plantation drive, every social media campaign, and every project worthwhile. 
I look forward to continuing this journey and helping build a more sustainable world, one tree at a time.
APOORVA KRISHNAN
VOLUNTEER
I still remember when I was 8 years old, visiting my grandma’s place during my summer vacations. Every time I walked into her home, I was greeted by beautiful plants, trees, birds, and the calmness that came from being surrounded by nature. At that age, I never really understood the deeper meaning behind it. For me, it was simply a beautiful place to spend my holidays. But over time, I realized that those trees were teaching me something much bigger. Through them, my grandma, Janet Yegneswaran, founder of Reforest India, introduced me to the importance of caring for nature and giving something back to the Earth. As I grew older, I started understanding the vision behind those efforts. It was not just about planting trees, but about creating a greener environment, bringing people closer to nature, and making the world a better place for everyone, including people, birds, animals, and future generations. Reforest India began with my grandma’s love for nature and her desire to make a difference. Over the years, what started as a small initiative has grown into a larger movement, bringing together volunteers, communities, and organizations through tree plantations, farm projects, corporate initiatives, and various other activities that help people reconnect with nature and contribute towards a better environment. But what makes Reforest India truly special is that its work goes beyond trees. The organization has always focused on supporting people and communities as well. Through different initiatives, Reforest India has extended support to farmers, helped during challenging situations, encouraged women empowerment, and worked towards creating a positive difference in society. I am grateful to my grandma, Janet Yegneswaran, for starting this beautiful journey and I am proud to be a volunteer of Reforest India.
ANITHA
Volunteers like Anitha have supported us throughout our journey. Because of them we have been able to move on in our journey of tree planting.
SEEMA KIRAN
VOLUNTEER
I am Seemakiran, and I live in Jade Garden, Sadahalli. A few years ago, I wanted to give back to the planet in some real, physical way, starting right where I live. My goal was simple: help our community retain groundwater, rebuild the soil, and bring back the green cover. I didn’t have the funds to do it on my own, so I went looking for an NGO who could help me make it happen. Most NGOs do not work inside private communities. Reforest India was the only one that said yes, because for Janet, that distinction did not matter. Boundaries are man-made. It is one living planet for every plant and animal on it, and that is the only thing she is working for. Janet did not just plant trees. She used the exact native species right for the location she was doing it and also which I requested for, added her own expertise on what would actually take root and thrive here, and together we built 22 mini forests across Jade Garden. What was patchy, dry land is now genuinely green. I have the before and after photos to prove it. Janet does not seem to care whether the work is in a farmer field or a private residential community. She just cares that it gets done, and done right. That kind of commitment is rare. If you are looking for an organization that shows up for real, ground-level impact, Reforest India delivers.
NAVEEN SAMPATH KRISHNA
VOLUNTEER
I know reforest india from 2011, when it was known as treesforfree. The founder, Janet is an excellent landscaper, is a warm hearted person for whom the nursery is the temple, and nature the workplace. I have closely worked with the ngo in planting saplings across Bengaluru and surrounding districts, in maintaining their excellent nurseries, and their organic farming initiatives. What makes Reforest India unique is the diversity of species that they grow or procure and plant. The catalog that was made few years ago had around 150 tree species listed! Another distinguishing factor is that the ngo doesn’t charge for saplings or tree guards; beneficiaries have to dig the pit, participate in planting, and care for the trees till they grow. On top of all of this, they plant everywhere: farmers’ fields, parks, roadside, and within colonies. I wish the ngo all the best, and wish that they continue to serve nature and society for a long time to come.
Regards,
Naveen Sampath Krishna,
North Bengaluru.
DAVID S R
Golden Square Serviced and Virtual Office
Reforest India is making a meaningful difference through its commitment to environmental restoration, agroforestry, and community empowerment. By planting trees, promoting sustainable farming practices, and engaging local communities, the organization is creating long-term ecological and social impact across India. The vision and dedication of Janet Yagneshwaran have been instrumental in driving this mission forward. Through passionate leadership and unwavering commitment, Janet has inspired individuals, farmers, corporates, and communities to actively participate in building a greener and more sustainable future. What sets Reforest India apart is its holistic approach, combining environmental conservation with livelihood enhancement, farmer empowerment, biodiversity restoration, and climate action. Every initiative reflects a deep commitment to creating lasting positive change for people and the planet. We commend Reforest India and Janet Yagneshwaran for their outstanding contribution to sustainability and community development. Their work serves as an inspiration and demonstrates how collective action can transform landscapes, strengthen communities, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.