Plants 52,000 Trees

Navi Mumbai resident Virag Wankhede Madhumalati has achieved a remarkable milestone by completing a 1305 km Green Walkathon to promote environmental awareness. The journey, which concluded on December 13, 2024, saw Madhumalati plant 52,000 trees while walking from Navi Mumbai to Nakoda Ji in Rajasthan. This incredible feat marks a historic initiative for environmental promotion.

Starting from Jewel of Navi Mumbai, Seawoods, on September 15, 2024, the 90-day walk spanned states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, crossing key cities such as Surat, Baroda, Udaipur, Nathdwara, Charbhuja, Desuri, and Jalore, along with several villages. At each stop, Madhumalati raised awareness about environmental conservation, planting saplings, educating locals, and inspiring people to protect Mother Nature.

Accompanied by his wife Vandana Wankhede and team members Shambhu Pal, Mukesh, Surendra, and Roshan, Madhumalati walked an average of 13–14 hours daily. On Kartik Purnima, November 15, he achieved a significant milestone by walking 111 km non-stop for 24 hours, earning a place in the World Records Book of India as the first environmentalist to undertake such an initiative entirely on foot.

At the finale in Nakoda Ji, Madhumalati was welcomed with camel processions and drum beats, marking the grand conclusion of his journey. Speaking about his mission, the 50-year-old said, “My mission is to save Mother Earth. Through this initiative, I aimed to plant as many saplings as possible and raise awareness about environmental protection. I am blessed to have received support from people across the country who joined me in planting 52,000 saplings during this Green Walkathon.”

Madhumalati visited schools, colleges, societies, and public spaces during his journey, encouraging people to take an oath to protect the environment and to actively participate in conservation efforts.

An accomplished individual, Madhumalati is a noted playback singer, film producer, director, and writer, and has earned five Guinness World Records in the field of music. He has also received numerous civilian honors, including the Jain Ratna Award, Lokmat Gaurav, Global Citizen Award, and the Karmaveer Award (UNESCO U.S.).

Since 1998, he has been dedicating his time, resources, and efforts to public awareness campaigns, striving to protect humanity and the environment.