A tryst with the TREE MAN OF INDIA

Most people believe, especially Indians that "A penny saved is a penny earned." Applying this to the broad subject of Nature Conservation, a tree saved is several lives earned. Hashtag brings to you the story of a believer and executioner of this mantra in this interview with Uday Krishna Peddireddi.

- Uday Krishna Peddireddi

A Social Entrepreneur, adventure junkie, Conservationist, Photographer, Entrepreneur, and founder of VATA Foundation and FoxTail Eco-Retreat, Uday Krishna is aptly and deservedly called the 'Tree Man of India'.

The roots of conservation, according to him, have been in his DNA. Uday has always held a deep connection with nature owing to his maternal native being in Nizamabad, a place close to the forests and his maternal uncle being the Forest Officer. He fondly reminisces the memories of spending his time in the jungle. His passion for nature grew with him. In his later years, with his hobbies of Wildlife and Nature Photography, Uday seeks to stay in touch with nature. He continued to keep his passion alive through his hobbies and took trips to jungles with his friends from 1993 to 2012.

With an education background of B.Com (Honours) and an MBA in marketing, Uday has experience working in defence manufacturing- a family business, outdoor advertising and even in the software field in the USA for four years. During his professional journey, he worked closely with GHMC in the construction business. During one such project, the seeds for the VATA Foundation were laid.

The Birth of the VATA Foundation

An executive action towards the founding of the VATA Foundation was laid during the building of a bridge for the GHMC. A row of trees was in the way of the planned construction route of the bridge. Being a nature lover intrinsically and having had the experience of cutting down trees during his previous project, Uday had taken an alternative solution of relocating the trees to clear the path. Out of the 16 trees relocated during this project, 13 have survived which became the sapling for birth of the VATA Foundation.