About
Mr. C.M. Venkatesh Eswari
About
C.M. Venkatesh Eswari
Saalumarada Venkatesh (C. M. Venkatesh), born on 5 June 1972—World Environment Day—in Chamarajanagar, is a remarkable environmentalist who has dedicated his life to transforming urban spaces into thriving green corridors. Inspired by nature from a young age, and guided by the values imparted by his parents, Smt. Mahadevamma and Shri R. Muddumadaiah, Venkatesh began planting trees more than a decade ago. What started as a simple act of greening his neighbourhood evolved into a mission that has today resulted in over 16000 trees flourishing across major roads in Chamarajanagar district. He planted trees in district head quarters, taluk headquarters urban area roads, government school , government college ,government hospital,. Despite working as an accountant, he spent his earnings—and even sold his house—to continue nurturing the saplings he planted, a sacrifice that reflects his unwavering devotion to the environment. His District Chamrajnagar become fourth place in good air in all india level because of forest and his trees.
Supported by his wife Jayalakshmi G, and blessed with two sons, Harikrishnan V and Neelakantan V, Venkatesh’s journey stands as an inspiring story of service, resilience and commitment. His transformation of District Court Road, B. Rachaiah Double Road, Ramasamudra Road and several other stretches has brought shade, beauty and fresh air to thousands of residents. Honoured with the prestigious State Environment Award (2024–25), Venkatesh continues to lead by example, believing that every tree brings life, balance and hope. Today, he remains a guiding force for environmental awareness, inspiring individuals, institutions and communities to join him in creating a greener tomorrow.
Mrs. Jayalakshmi G
About
Mrs. Jayalakshmi G
Smt. Jayalakshmi G, wife of C. M. Venkatesh, was born on 02 October 1988 and brought up in Chamarajanagar. From the very beginning of her husband’s environmental journey, she has been a strong pillar of support and encouragement. She has wholeheartedly stood by his vision of protecting nature, never raising objections to the sacrifices required for environmental service. During his most challenging times, she selflessly pledged her personal ornaments to help sustain his tree-planting mission, enabling him to continue nurturing the saplings even when financial difficulties arose.
Despite her responsibilities as a homemaker, Smt. Jayalakshmi has actively participated in the environmental work across Male Mahadeshwara Betta, Kollegal, Chamarajanagar, and surrounding regions. During harsh summer months, she personally assisted in watering roadside trees using water tankers and ensured that every planted sapling received sufficient care. She continues this work with dedication, treating it as her own responsibility. She independently carries forward this mission, proving her deep commitment to environmental protection and standing as a silent yet powerful force behind the green movement led by Saalumarada Venkatesh.
Journey
A Mission Born From Passion
Over the years, Venkatesh has planted and nurtured more than 16,000+ trees all over.
Roads that were once dry, hot and deserted today stand beautifully shaded, green and cool—thanks entirely to his efforts.
Inspired by Saalumarada thimmaka,he is one of big fan of Dr Rajkumar, he started planting saplings every year on his Birthday 24-4-2017, continuing the tradition till today.
From Accountant to Environmental Warrior
While working as an Chartered tax practitioner, Venkatesh would use a major a part of his income to buy Tree gaurds, saplings, water them, labour charges,cooly and salary and green mat, protect them. He faced financial stress, took loans from union bank Bank and eventually sold his house to repay the borrowings-yet he never stopped planting.
His statement sums up his commitment:
“One share of my earnings is for my living, and one share is for the trees.”
