In a world dominated by financial goals and corporate achievements, Himanshu Sekhar Nayak stands out as a banker with a mission far beyond his professional responsibilities. A senior manager at a prestigious private bank, Himanshu balances his demanding career with an inspiring dedication to environmental conservation. From planting thousands of trees to promoting environmental awareness, his journey from humble beginnings to a green crusader is nothing short of extraordinary.
From Farming Roots to Banking Heights
Himanshu’s story begins in Gomundia, a small village in Odisha’s Puri district. Raised in Krushnaprasad block, he grew up in a farming family, learning the values of hard work and resilience. Although his roots were humble, Himanshu was determined to carve a different path for himself. His dedication and perseverance eventually led him to the world of banking, where he now serves as a senior manager with over two decades of experience.
Despite his success, Himanshu never lost touch with his agricultural roots. His understanding of the importance of nature and his personal connection to the land laid the foundation for his environmental activism. His banking career may have taken him far from the fields of his childhood, but his passion for nurturing the environment remained unwavering.
A Commitment to Environmental Conservation
For over a decade, Himanshu has been steadfast in his mission to contribute to the environment. He has single-handedly planted 70,000 trees, 94,000 palm seeds, and 100,000 neem seeds across Odisha and Chhattisgarh. What sets him apart is his willingness to allocate his own financial resources to this cause. Every month, Himanshu donates 20% of his salary, and an even more significant 50% of his annual bonus, to fund tree-planting initiatives. This commitment is not just financial—he dedicates two hours daily to environmental activities, from planting trees to organizing awareness campaigns.
In a world where people often prioritize personal wealth and success, Himanshu’s dedication to the environment shows his true sense of social responsibility. His actions demonstrate that it is possible to balance a thriving career with a commitment to a greater cause.
Leading Community Initiatives
Himanshu’s efforts are not limited to personal action. Over the years, he has mobilized hundreds of others to join him in his mission. Housewives, daily wagers, fellow bankers, business professionals, and even strangers have come together to support his vision of a greener future. His passion has been contagious, inspiring people from all walks of life to take part in his tree-planting efforts. Together, they have transformed barren lands into lush green spaces, creating not only beauty but also a sanctuary for wildlife.
Himanshu’s efforts extend beyond individual acts of planting. He founded two environmental groups, Green Parikud in Odisha and Climate Change Solution in Chhattisgarh. Under these banners, all of his plantation activities are coordinated. These groups have played a significant role in raising environmental awareness and rallying community support in the regions where Himanshu has worked.
A Battle Against Natural Calamities
Himanshu’s dedication to tree planting is not just about beautification or environmental responsibility. His efforts have a direct impact on reducing the risks of natural calamities. Odisha, in particular, has been hit hard by lightning strikes, with government data revealing that over 2,000 people lost their lives to lightning between 2018 and 2023. Many of these victims were rural farmers, cattle herders, and laborers who were working outdoors when they were struck.
Long before the government’s initiative to plant palm trees to reduce lightning fatalities, Himanshu had already recognized the need for such measures. He took the first step in 2021, planting 12,000 palm trees in Odisha. The following years saw his efforts expand significantly, with 13,000 trees planted in 2022 and a staggering 56,000 in 2023. His goal for 2024 is ambitious—to plant 100,000 palm trees, creating what he calls a “palm tree shield” against lightning strikes. Himanshu’s foresight and determination have made a tangible difference in reducing the risk to those who are most vulnerable.
Environmental Activism Beyond Borders
While much of Himanshu’s work has been concentrated in Odisha, his environmental activism has extended to other parts of India as well. During his posting in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, he organized the planting of 5,000 trees in collaboration with local communities. This initiative brought together environmental enthusiasts and volunteers, all united by the common goal of making the region greener.
Upon returning to Bhubaneswar in 2024, Himanshu continued his work with renewed vigor. Teaming up with the Senior Citizen Forum of Kedara Gouri Apartment, he organized the planting of 200 trees along a busy roadside, stretching from Ravi Talkies to Lingipur. These small acts of transformation have a lasting impact, creating green spaces in urban areas that are often lacking in natural beauty.
Personal Sacrifices for a Greater Cause
Himanshu’s dedication to environmental activism is even more impressive when one considers the personal sacrifices he has made along the way. Early in his career, he earned a modest salary of Rs 3,000 per month as a junior bank executive. Despite these financial constraints, he worked tirelessly to improve his situation, eventually rising through the ranks to a senior management position. Yet, even with his professional success, Himanshu has not forgotten the struggles of his early life. Rather than focusing solely on personal gain, he allocates a significant portion of his earnings to support tree planting, embodying the principle of giving back to the community.
A Turning Point: The Kalinga Ashram Visit
Himanshu’s journey into environmental activism took a pivotal turn in 2015 when he visited the Kalinga Ashram. It was here that he met Ramesh Panda, the ashram’s president, who offered him life-changing advice. When Himanshu asked Panda for guidance on how to find true happiness, Panda’s response was simple: plant trees. His words resonated deeply with Himanshu, and from that moment on, he made it his mission to plant as many trees as possible.
Himanshu’s first project began in his own village, where he enlisted the help of his family and fellow villagers to plant trees. He personally bought plants from nurseries in Puri and Brahmagiri, distributing them to others to encourage participation in the green movement. What started as a small local effort has since grown into a far-reaching initiative that spans multiple states.
A Legacy of Change
Today, Himanshu’s life is a testament to the power of individual action. His contributions to environmental conservation have not only left a lasting impact on the communities where he has worked but have also inspired countless others to follow in his footsteps. From his early days in banking to his role as a green crusader, Himanshu has proven that one person can indeed make a difference.
As Himanshu himself says, “One person can indeed make a positive impact on the environment, and personal and professional life can harmoniously coexist with a commitment to social responsibility.” His words and actions serve as an enduring reminder that true happiness and fulfilment can be found in service to a greater cause.
Himanshu Sekhar Nayak is not just a banker—he is a visionary leader, a dedicated environmentalist, and a beacon of hope for a greener future.
(With inputs from agencies)
