The question “Why me?” often arises from the depths of despair. For Dr. Deepak Ramesh Gaur, it is a question that has defined the chapters of a life marked by unimaginable trials and a relentless spirit of service. Today known across the globe as the “Tree Man of India,” Dr. Gaur’s story is not one of mere survival, but of a profound transformation from a victim of circumstance to a beacon of hope for humanity and the planet.
The Trials of Fire and Silence
Dr. Gaur’s journey with adversity began in childhood. A devastating accident left him with severe burns, permanently altering his physical appearance. While he faced the inevitable insecurities and emotional weight of his scars, he refused to let them dictate his future. Instead, he channeled his energy into professional excellence, building a distinguished career in Advertising, Media, and PR, eventually emerging as a recognized creative leader.
However, fate tested him a second time. A catastrophic road accident plunged him into a coma for several months. Medical professionals offered little hope, predicting that even if he survived, he would likely remain paralyzed.
It was during his recovery, while lying motionless in a hospital bed, that Dr. Gaur found an unlikely mentor: a tree standing outside his window. Seeing his own stillness reflected in the living, breathing branches, he found the resolve to fight. In a feat of sheer will, he rejected crutches and relearned to walk, viewing his recovery not just as a medical miracle, but as a rebirth with a definitive purpose.
The “Tree Man of India” and the Vision of #Dream1Billion
Turning his personal pain into planetary healing, Dr. Gaur embarked on a mission many initially deemed “madness.” For over 13 years, he has dedicated his life to the environment, nurturing more than one million trees under his #Dream1Billion initiative.
His environmental impact has earned him prestigious accolades, including:
Limca Book of Records: Recognized in 2018, 2019, and 2020.
Global Recognition: Acknowledged by UN Environment and Lok Sabha TV.
Titles of Honor: Widely celebrated as the Green Warrior and Eco Warrior.
Remarkably, these achievements were reached without paid publicity; they were fueled entirely by the authenticity of his labor and his commitment to the Earth.
A New Calling: The “Magical Lamp” for the Broken
Today, Dr. Gaur’s mission has expanded from healing the earth to healing human spirits. Drawing from his lived experience with burns, disability, and near-death trauma, he has become a mentor for those navigating their own darkness.
He focuses his efforts on:
Mentoring burn-injured children to rebuild self-esteem.
Empowering children with disabilities, reframing their conditions as “special abilities.”
Promoting safety awareness for fire and road hazards to prevent future tragedies.
Dr. Gaur often tells the children he mentors: “I was burnt. I look different. And that difference is my strength.” He no longer views himself simply as the Tree Man, but as a #MagicalLamp—a vessel that burns to provide light for others.
A Call for Partnership
Despite his unwavering spirit, the path hasn’t been without struggle. Personal losses and financial constraints have tested his resolve. Dr. Gaur does not seek sympathy; rather, he seeks strategic partnerships and institutional support to scale his mentorship programs and environmental work.
His life stands as a testament to the belief that disability is not a weakness, and that survival is a mandate for service. When asked “Why you?” regarding the tragedies he has endured, he now smiles and responds: “Thankfully, it was me. Because I survived—to serve.”
Rana Ali Zohaib is an Investigative Journalist from Pakistan. Migration Media Awards Pakistan 2022 Winner. Journalist of The Year 2023 Award Winner Dubai. Caree Achievements Award 2023 Winner Dubai. He is President of Pakistan Federal Union of Columnists (PFUC).
