Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 130th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, highlighted the remarkable efforts of Jagdish Prasad Ahirwar, a forest beat guard from Madhya Pradesh’s Panna district, calling his work an inspiring example of grassroots environmental conservation.
The Prime Minister said Ahirwar, who patrols the forests surrounding the renowned Panna Tiger Reserve, recognised a critical gap during his routine duties.
He observed that vast traditional knowledge about the region’s medicinal plants, passed down through generations, had never been formally documented and risked being lost with time.
Driven by a sense of responsibility to protect this heritage, Ahirwar began cataloguing the forest’s medicinal flora on his own initiative.
Over the years, he identified more than 125 species of medicinal plants, carefully recording their photographs, local names, traditional uses, and exact locations.
These plants, used to treat ailments ranging from digestive disorders to skin conditions, draw upon ancient Ayurvedic knowledge deeply connected to the forest ecosystem.
The Prime Minister noted that such efforts highlight the immense scientific and community value of indigenous wisdom.
Recognising the significance of his work, the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department later formalised Ahirwar’s findings, compiling them into an official publication.
The resulting book has become a valuable resource for researchers, botanists, and conservationists, while also promoting sustainable harvesting practices and supporting eco-tourism and local livelihoods.
PM Modi said this spirit of environmental stewardship is visible nationwide through initiatives such as the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.
He noted that people have planted over 200 crore trees so far, reflecting growing public awareness and a strong collective commitment to environmental protection.
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