Inspiration

Ramveer Tanwar – The PondMan of India How a Small-Town Engineer Sparked a National Environmental Awakening

• ByStartupStory     |    July 4, 2025

From Village Life to Lifelong Vision

Ramveer Tanwar was born in Dadha village in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, where water bodies were once central to rural life. Ponds sustained farming, recharged groundwater, and offered a sense of community and balance with nature. But over time, as urbanization crept into the countryside and people began ignoring traditional water sources, the ponds fell into neglect.

They became breeding grounds for mosquitoes, garbage dumps, and lost their place in the community’s heart. Most people adjusted to this decay. But not Ramveer.

Even as a young student, he was disturbed by the loss of these water bodies. Where others saw dirty pits, he saw a future worth fighting for.

Leaving the Corporate Ladder for the Village Path

After completing his B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, Ramveer joined a multinational company and entered the comfort of a stable job. But every weekend, he returned to his roots—not just physically, but in spirit. He organized clean-up drives, educated people about water conservation, and took on what many considered a hopeless cause.

The dissonance between his weekday job and weekend mission became too large to ignore. In 2018, Ramveer made a bold decision. He resigned from his corporate job to dedicate himself fully to environmental restoration. What began as a side activity became his life’s work.

The Birth of Jal Chaupal – Conversations That Lead to Change

Ramveer understood that you can’t change communities by issuing commands. You have to listen, connect, and lead from within. He started organizing gatherings in village squares, modeled after the age-old Indian tradition of chaupals—open spaces for discussion.

At these Jal Chaupals, villagers talked openly about their relationship with water, the history of their local ponds, and what had gone wrong. Ramveer helped them see the science behind the loss – groundwater depletion, chemical pollution, and climate change – while also reawakening their emotional connection.

Soon, conversations turned into action. With collective energy, villagers rolled up their sleeves to clean ponds that had been written off for years.

Say Earth – A Platform for Scalable Impact

What began in one village evolved into a movement. Ramveer formalized his work with the founding of Say Earth, a nonprofit that brought together volunteers, experts, and communities. The mission was simple yet powerful: to restore degraded ponds and reintroduce native greenery through sustainable methods.

Say Earth soon expanded beyond Uttar Pradesh. Projects were initiated in states like Haryana, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Delhi. At every site, the work followed a community-first approach. No revival was complete without ensuring that locals were part of the process and proud of the result.

The organization also introduced the Miyawaki method of plantation, turning barren land near ponds into dense, native forests that grew rapidly and enhanced biodiversity.

Featured in Amar Chitra Katha’s Mann Ki Baat Volume 4

In a moment of national pride, Ramveer Tanwar’s inspiring journey has been featured in the 4th Volume of Mann Ki Baat by Amar Chitra Katha, a special edition that highlights 11 extraordinary stories of ordinary citizens transforming India through dedication and purpose. Fondly known as the PondMan of India, Ramveer’s relentless work in reviving neglected ponds, promoting water conservation, and restoring ecological balance has earned him a well-deserved place among the country’s most impactful changemakers. This recognition not only celebrates his achievements but also shines a light on the power of grassroots action. Ramveer’s story in this volume serves as a reminder that sustainable change is possible when one individual chooses to act for the collective good

A Pond Revival Model Rooted in People and Purpose

Each pond restoration followed a holistic process. Communities were invited to participate in cleaning the ponds, removing waste and encroachments, and restoring the water flow. Desilting helped bring back depth and water retention, while planting native trees ensured that the ecosystem around the pond thrived.

Rather than relying solely on technology or government schemes, Ramveer believed in the power of community. When people feel ownership, they care. And when they care, they protect.

Many of these ponds now host blooming lotuses, migrating birds, and even serve as small-scale fishery sites or educational nature spots for school children.

Urban Forests: Breathing Life Back Into Cities with the Miyawaki Method

Beyond his well-known work in pond rejuvenation, Ramveer Tanwar has emerged as a passionate advocate for urban ecological revival through the creation of Miyawaki forests—dense, fast-growing plantations made exclusively from native species. This method transforms degraded, unused land into self-sustaining forests within just a few years. These green pockets flourish naturally, restoring local biodiversity, attracting pollinators and native wildlife, and giving city dwellers a much-needed connection with nature. At a time when deforestation and rapid urbanization are stripping cities of their green cover, Ramveer’s urban forestry efforts offer a powerful and scalable solution.

The benefits of Miyawaki forests are far-reaching. They improve air quality, sequester carbon, and regulate urban temperatures, while also enhancing soil health, reducing flood risk, and aiding groundwater recharge. Their complex root systems support long-term ecological health, and their presence helps combat the urban heat island effect. These forests not only improve the physical environment but also serve as recreational and educational spaces, nurturing environmental awareness and mental well-being in the communities they serve. Ramveer’s approach transforms more than land—it transforms how people view sustainability, community participation, and urban development.

A Nationally Backed Green Movement

Ramveer’s afforestation efforts received a major boost when Prime Minister Narendra Modi recognized his work in the widely broadcast Mann Ki Baat program. The Prime Minister’s endorsement brought national attention to the importance of community-led environmental action and helped validate Ramveer’s mission in the public eye. His message emphasized that such grassroots initiatives are vital in tackling climate change, pollution, and ecological degradation, especially in rapidly growing urban centers. This recognition inspired individuals, institutions, and city administrators across the country to follow suit—sparking interest, dialogue, and action around urban greening.

Equally crucial to the expansion of this movement has been the support from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partners. Recognizing the long-term environmental and social value of Miyawaki forests, several corporations have come forward to fund plantations, engage employees as volunteers, and ensure maintenance and stewardship of green sites. In partnership with these CSR-backed efforts, Say Earth has successfully developed over 50 Miyawaki forests across diverse settings—school campuses, corporate parks, industrial areas, village commons, and more. These forests are not just about planting trees—they represent a larger shift toward reviving ecosystems, strengthening climate resilience, and fostering a culture of sustainability that blends grassroots energy with institutional support.

When One Selfie Sparked a Nationwide Movement

Ramveer understood the influence of youth and social media. That’s why he launched the #SelfieWithPond campaign—an idea that encouraged people to visit ponds, take a selfie, and post it online with pride.

This fun, simple act helped generate awareness and emotional connection, especially among the younger generation. It wasn’t just about digital reach—it was about making ponds cool again.

In a country where water crisis headlines often go unnoticed, this campaign brought joy and responsibility into the conservation conversation.

Recognition That Reflects Impact

Ramveer’s work has earned national and international recognition. He received the Karmaveer Chakra Award, instituted by the United Nations and iCONGO, for his courage and commitment to the environment. The Shining World Protection Award from Taiwan came with global applause and a $10,000 grant to support his projects.

He was also named a Water Hero by India’s Ministry of Jal Shakti and recognized as a Wetland Champion by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. His appointment as Brand Ambassador for the Swachh Bharat Mission in Ghaziabad and Groundwater Ambassador for Uttar Pradesh reflects how local governments now look to him for leadership.

But the highest honor came when Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned him in the national radio program “Mann Ki Baat.” Ramveer was lauded as a young changemaker whose commitment could inspire the nation. He was later invited to the 100th episode of the program, where his journey was celebrated on a national platform.

Stories of Transformation, Rooted in Soil and Soul

Across the villages and cities where he has worked, Ramveer has witnessed profound change. In Gujarat’s Katuda village, after nearly a year of work, the once-dead pond was revived. When the monsoon came, the pond filled naturally. The joy of seeing clean, clear water flowing again brought tears to many villagers’ eyes.

In Punjab, farmers reused silt removed from the ponds as fertilizer, reviving both their soil and their crops. In Delhi, children now play near rejuvenated ponds that were once foul and mosquito-infested.

These are not just ecological transformations—they are emotional victories. They restore trust, dignity, and hope.

Lessons for Social Entrepreneurs and Startups

Ramveer’s journey holds powerful lessons for aspiring changemakers. His story is a reminder that impact doesn’t always require funding, connections, or technology. What it needs is commitment, courage, and consistency.

He shows that purpose is the strongest foundation for any venture. That building trust within communities is more powerful than building models in isolation. That change begins with one person taking responsibility. And that storytelling—whether through a campaign or a selfie – can turn local action into a national wave.

His success is rooted not in financial metrics but in lives touched, ecosystems restored, and conversations started.

The Road Ahead – 1,000 Ponds, Millions of Minds

Looking ahead, Ramveer dreams of reviving 1,000 ponds across India by 2030. He wants to plant millions of native trees, create eco-tourism models that sustain jobs and awareness, and launch educational initiatives that make water conservation part of school life.

He believes every school, college, startup, and citizen should adopt one pond or green patch and protect it. He envisions a citizen-led conservation movement—powered by young people, supported by government policy, and backed by the collective consciousness of the nation.

Conclusion: From One Pond to a National Movement

Ramveer Tanwar’s story proves that small beginnings can lead to sweeping change. An ordinary village boy, with no political backing or media machinery, chose to fight for ponds – and ended up reviving ecosystems, inspiring policy, and capturing the nation’s imagination.

He didn’t wait for a perfect plan. He didn’t wait for permission. He started. And because he did, hundreds of ponds are alive today, thousands of lives are better, and millions have been inspired.

In an era obsessed with funding rounds and unicorns, Ramveer reminds us that true impact isn’t built in valuation—it’s built in values.

If you’re building something meaningful, let his journey inspire you. Your pond might be different—but your courage can ripple just as far.

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