Environmentalist, Public Health Expert and Founder of PERGE Foundation to Receive International Recognition for Climate Action and Humanitarian Service
New Delhi | Dogra Times International Desk
India is set to celebrate another proud moment on the global stage as renowned environmentalist, public health expert and social reformer Dr. A. Kumar, widely known as India’s “Tree Man,” prepares to be honoured at an international summit at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from September 2 to September 5.
The prestigious gathering will bring together distinguished delegates, policymakers, environmental leaders and social innovators from 38 countries, recognising individuals whose work has created a meaningful impact in environmental conservation, public health, humanitarian service, sustainable development and community empowerment.
Dr. Kumar has been invited in recognition of his extraordinary contribution towards environmental protection and grassroots social development—work that has touched thousands of lives across India through tree plantation drives, food relief programmes, education initiatives and rural development projects.
For Dr. Kumar, the international recognition is not merely another honour. It reflects years of tireless service dedicated to protecting nature while improving the lives of people, particularly those living in underserved communities.
A Vision That Became PERGE Foundation
In February 2020, Dr. Kumar founded PERGE Foundation with the vision of creating sustainable social change by combining environmental conservation with humanitarian service.
Over the years, the organisation has expanded its work across multiple sectors, including food security, education, public health, environmental conservation, women’s empowerment and rural development.
Unlike many organisations that focus on a single cause, PERGE Foundation has adopted a holistic model, believing that stronger communities and a healthier environment go hand in hand.
Among its largest humanitarian initiatives is its nationwide food assistance programme. According to the organisation, nearly 600,000 underprivileged people have been provided free meals through relief drives and community outreach programmes, offering support to families facing financial hardship and food insecurity.
Planting More Than 178,000 Trees Across India
Dr. Kumar’s environmental work has earned him the title of India’s “Tree Man.”
According to PERGE Foundation, he has led the plantation of more than 178,000 trees across India—from the fragile Himalayan ecosystem to towns and villages across the country’s plains.
However, his mission has never been limited to planting saplings. Through awareness campaigns, public participation drives and community engagement, he has consistently encouraged citizens to take ownership of environmental conservation and climate action.
His work has focused on increasing green cover, protecting biodiversity and inspiring communities to actively participate in preserving natural resources for future generations.
Environmental experts have long emphasised that such grassroots movements play an important role in strengthening climate resilience and restoring ecological balance, making Dr. Kumar’s efforts particularly significant at a time when climate change continues to pose global challenges.
Empowering Women and Educating Young Girls
Beyond environmental conservation, PERGE Foundation has implemented several initiatives aimed at empowering women and expanding educational opportunities.
The organisation established women’s changing rooms in Kashi, the Kashi Corridor and Haridwar, improving public facilities for women pilgrims and visitors.
Recognising education as the foundation of empowerment, the foundation has also sponsored professional education for 88 girls, enabling them to pursue career-oriented courses free of cost.
According to the organisation, more than 40 of these young women are now serving in different government departments, demonstrating how access to quality education can transform lives and create long-term opportunities.
Transforming Himalayan Villages Through Technology
In the Himalayan district of Chamoli, Uttarakhand, PERGE Foundation has introduced several innovative programmes that combine rural development with modern technology.
One of its most notable initiatives trains girls from mountain communities in drone technology, equipping them with advanced technical skills while opening new employment opportunities in emerging sectors.
The organisation has also launched village cleanliness campaigns and established Gram Bal Sabhas, encouraging children to participate in sanitation drives, environmental awareness campaigns and community leadership.
Alongside these initiatives, PERGE Foundation continues to promote sustainable agriculture, climate awareness and environmental conservation among local communities across the Chamoli region.
Recognition Beyond Borders
Dr. Kumar’s work has previously been recognised through several national and international honours for his contributions to environmental protection, public health and humanitarian service.
According to the organisers, the upcoming recognition at the United Nations Headquarters in New York will include a prestigious honour along with special rewards in recognition of his outstanding contribution towards environmental conservation and community-led development.
The summit will focus on some of the world’s most pressing issues, including climate change, sustainable development, environmental protection, global public health, international cooperation and community-led development.
During the conference, Dr. Kumar will share his experience of building people-centric environmental movements and highlight how grassroots initiatives can contribute to achieving global sustainability goals.
A Difficult Chapter That Strengthened His Resolve
Behind the accolades lies a story of resilience.
In 2025, Dr. Kumar faced one of the most challenging phases of his life after suffering serious health complications that temporarily interrupted his public engagements and social work.
During this difficult period, Dr. Kumar says he was deeply hurt by the conduct of an international organisation with which he had worked extensively and to whose humanitarian initiatives he had dedicated significant time and effort over the years.
According to him, the compassion and support he expected during his illness were not extended. He believes organisations committed to humanitarian values should stand by those who have contributed to their mission, especially during moments of personal adversity.
Rather than allowing the experience to discourage him, Dr. Kumar emerged from the difficult phase with renewed determination. After recovering, he returned to public life with even greater commitment, expanding the work of PERGE Foundation and continuing his mission of environmental conservation, public health awareness and community welfare across India.
Today, he remains actively engaged in nationwide social and environmental initiatives, proving that personal setbacks can become the foundation for even greater service to society.
Serving the Nation Through Public Health
Alongside his environmental and humanitarian work, Dr. A. Kumar serves with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, contributing to public health initiatives and national health programmes.
His role within the Ministry has complemented his grassroots efforts, enabling him to bridge policy with community action while promoting healthcare awareness, environmental sustainability and social development across the country.
A Journey Rooted in Service
From planting more than 178,000 trees and serving nearly 600,000 free meals to educating young girls, empowering women, promoting sustainable agriculture and introducing drone technology in Himalayan villages, Dr. A. Kumar’s journey reflects a life dedicated to service rather than recognition.
His work through PERGE Foundation demonstrates how environmental conservation and social welfare can go hand in hand, creating lasting change at the grassroots level. Whether supporting families in need, empowering young women through education or encouraging communities to take responsibility for protecting nature, his initiatives continue to make a tangible difference across the country.
As he prepares to receive international recognition at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Dr. Kumar’s journey serves as a reminder that meaningful change begins with individual action and collective responsibility. His story is one of perseverance, compassion and unwavering commitment—a testament to how one person’s vision can inspire communities, transform lives and earn recognition on the global stage while carrying India’s message of sustainability, service and hope to the world.
