Pillars of Our Organisation

Pillars of our Organisation

At Reforest India, our work is guided by the foundational pillars.

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 an 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 gravediggers, 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 Reforest India'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 labourers 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.

LUCIOUS J.S. ALBERTS

Now living in Mannheim, Germany, Lucius is the inspiration behind our projects: the Wooden Bicycle, Cyclothons, and Cycle for the Needy. 2017 marked the 200th anniversary of the bicycle, invented by Karl Drais in Mannheim, Germany. During his holiday in Bangalore, Lucius made a replica of the wooden bicycle, composed a cycle song, and took it on road shows and exhibitions in malls. We successfully distributed 200 bicycles to those in need. He also designed the posters and signage for the Rotary cyclothons in Bangalore and Channapatna.

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.

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.

MEENA GUPTA

VOLUNTEER

Dear Reforest India Team, Heartiest congratulations and heartfelt gratitude to the entire Reforest India family.

We have been connected with this beautiful mission since 2007, and it has been an incredible journey of learning, service, and hope. We have had the privilege of volunteering in many plantation drives, witnessing how every sapling planted today becomes a gift to future generations.

A special appreciation for Janet, whose dedication has always inspired us. She has consistently stayed connected with farmers, supporting and guiding them in every possible way. Her commitment goes far beyond tree plantation. Through her women empowerment initiatives in villages, she has helped many women gain confidence, opportunities, and a brighter future.

Reforest India is not just planting trees—it is nurturing communities, restoring nature, and creating lasting positive change.

Thank you for allowing us to be a small part of this meaningful journey. Wishing Reforest India continued success in its mission to make our planet greener and our communities stronger.

With gratitude and best wishes,

Meena Gupta

UMA PAI

VOLUNTEER

Here is the exact original content with only the typos, punctuation, spacing, and capitalization errors corrected, keeping your wording, phrasing, and structure unchanged: Cute memories with my childhood Jayanagar Madhavan Park friend. Then became great Rotary and Inner Wheel friends, and then Reforest India and Trees for Free NGO happened… My son Rahul and myself donated many times, and even to the Kadenahalli Project I went with her many times.

Sweet bygone memories… thank you, Janet…

All the very best to my very, very old friend as you rise higher and higher, winning lots of accolades and honours for your determined efforts to Reforest India…

They cut mute trees and we at Reforest India plant saplings to fill up the loss with lots of support from sponsors… who love the trees enough to give a tree hug.

VINEETH KARIAPPA

VOLUNTEER

I have had the opportunity to observe and appreciate the remarkable work carried out by Reforest India in the field of environmental conservation and tree plantation.

Their commitment to restoring green cover, improving biodiversity, and creating sustainable ecosystems through large-scale tree planting initiatives is truly commendable. What stands out is not merely the number of saplings planted, but their focus on nurturing and ensuring the long-term survival of trees, thereby creating lasting environmental impact.

Over the years, Reforest India has inspired individuals, communities, institutions, and corporate organizations to actively participate in environmental stewardship. Their efforts have contributed significantly towards increasing green cover and raising awareness about the importance of ecological conservation.

It is particularly encouraging to see their work being recognized and appreciated by the Forest Department, which has honored and acknowledged their contribution to afforestation and environmental protection. Such recognition reflects the credibility, dedication, and effectiveness of their initiatives.

Organizations like Reforest India play a vital role in addressing environmental challenges and building a greener future for generations to come. I extend my appreciation to the entire team for their unwavering commitment and wish them continued success in their mission to make India greener and more sustainable.

AJIT

VOLUNTEER

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY - JUNE 05 2026 - ARTICLE IN TIMES OF INDIA

I volunteered with Janet and Reforest India for a good three years in many social planting initiatives. Inspired by Janet’s passion I started a two-year journey of planting, nurturing, and learning from trees. With her guidance and support we planted a total of 500 trees on the median of the JP Nagar ring road.

Just as bringing children into this world is a beautiful act, helping them grow into independent adults is an even greater responsibility. The same is true for trees. Planting a sapling is only the beginning; nurturing it until it can thrive on its own is where the real work lies.

My friend Abhilash and I spent every Sunday, from one monsoon to the next, watering saplings, replacing those that didn’t survive, and caring for them until all 250 became self-sustaining. The following year, we repeated the process with another batch.

Today, after almost 18 years of commitment, patience, and persistence, it is deeply rewarding to see these once-fragile saplings growing into strong trees—not only sustaining themselves, but also providing shade and shelter to those who pass by. Watching them flourish has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

NOV 02, 2008 - JP NAGAR RING ROAD, BANGALORE

500 TREE SAPLING PLANTATION

KALA DORAI

BEAUTICIAN