Archive · 15 Aug 2025
Eco-Feminism: Rajasthan Village Celebrates Girls with Trees
In a village in Rajasthan, the leader, Shyam Sundar Paliwal, started a special project after his daughter died.
Every time a baby girl is born, the village plants 111 trees.
The girls then take care of these trees, which are like their own.
Parents also promise their daughters won't get married too young, and money is saved for the girls.
This village now thrives, selling products from the trees and showing how taking care of nature can also help people.
Shyam Sundar Paliwal, village head of Piplantri, initiated a project after the death of his daughter.
111 trees are planted in the village for every girl child born.
Girls care for the trees planted for them and tie rakhi to them.
Parents sign affidavits to ensure girls are not married before 18 and a deposit is made for each girl.
The village has a self-sustaining economy selling products like aloe vera from the trees.
- Who
- Shyam Sundar Paliwal.
- What
- Shyam Sundar Paliwal's eco-feminism initiative in Piplantri.
- When
- Started after 2006.
- Where
- Piplantri village, Rajasthan.
- Why
- To honor his daughter and foster eco-consciousness, gender equality and create a sustainable economy.
Traditional practices
Modern eco-friendly practices
Marriage age
Traditional practices
Early marriage for girls
Modern eco-friendly practices
Delaying marriage until age 18
- Initiator
- Shyam Sundar Paliwal
- Location
- Piplantri, Rajasthan
- Key action
- Planting 111 trees for each girl child
- Outcome
- Self-sustaining rural economy
- Recognition
- Padma Shri
