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Time of India

After 25 yrs in army, retd soldier aims to revive motherland in Junnar

Pune: After serving 25 years in the first battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry of the Indian Army, retired soldier Ramesh Kharmale (49) has embarked on a new mission to protect and revive nature. He, during his military career, participated in various operations, but that is not it. He has started digging trenches on the hills of the Sahyadri Ranges in Junnar taluka to plant trees and restore natural water resources. "Both duties that I performed are aimed at saving the motherland," Kharmale told TOI. "I applied my 'Paltan' work ethos to this endeavour and turned it into my new mission," he added. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune To his advantage, Kharmale found a dedicated partner in his wife, Swati. She works alongside to support the cause and their son Mayuresh (13) and daughter Vaishnavi (20) join them occasionally to contribute to the mission of planting seeds on the hills. He gives credit to his wife and children for working with him for the last few years. The 123rd episode of 'Mann ki Baat' radio programme on June 30, 2025, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised efforts by Ramesh Kharmale and his family in rejuvenating Junnar hills. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo Swati said, "Apart from the family responsibilities, I found something meaningful and worthy in life to pursue for a lifetime. I feel extremely happy seeing our trees fully grown after years. This gives you an utmost satisfaction." "Awareness is the bedrock of society. I always strive to spark a sense of responsibility among youngsters, who can bring unbelievable results," Kharmale narrated. At present, Kharmale serves as a forest guard with the Junnar forest division and is actively involved in various roles beyond his official duty, said the forest officials. Pradip Chavan, the range forest officer of the Junnar range, under whom Kharmale worked for two years, described him as a 'highly motivated and determined' personnel. "He works tirelessly and sincerely. Because of these two qualities, he achieved unprecedented results in the field, wherein very few people work on the ground," added Chavan. Kharmale, with the help of villagers, developed the first 'Oxygen Park' in the Vadaj village. There are over 200 trees in the park. He said, "I aim to create such parks in several villages to create a condusive ecological balance to improve overall life." The infantryman wears several feathers in his hat as he actively participates in wildlife rescue operations, grass cutting, and head awareness campaigns in villages in Pune, Ahmednagar, Nashik, Satara, and Kolhapur districts.