I have been studying the Miyawaki Model of Afforestation for the past four years. This model developed by Prof. Akira Miyawaki is not available in any syllabus or book. We started experimenting after reading a book written by Miyawaki himself, and watching online videos of the work done by many people in the field. When we started getting very favourable results, we continued with the project. But there was a desire to see what was being done in Japan. So I planned a trip to Japan and went there a month back. Until then I had not succeeded in establishing contact with him. A few colleagues of mine had friends there who contacted him.
When I reached Japan, I learnt that he was convalescing. He is 92 years old and due to age-related health issues, he was in a nursing home. I received assurance that he would see me for 30 minutes. It was my cherished dream to see the man who had accomplished the rare feat of creating 4,000 forests and planting four crore trees. As I stood there, following the health protocol of washing my hands, I heard someone’s voice. “Hari san, Miyawaki.” I turned and saw him being brought in a wheelchair. A cheerful 92-year-old man who didn’t seem to be worried about his ill-health! He extended his hand towards me. But as mine were wet, I hesitated. Unmindful of it, he grabbed my hand. And we talked for three hours about various matters.
I could interact with his team too. I asked him, “After having done so much, do you have anything to tell the world?” He replied, “No. I have planted 4,000 forests. You should simulate more. The more you can plant, the better. There is nothing else to say.” Even in his 92nd year, confined to his wheelchair, he participated in an afforestation programme, involving 400 people, during last April. They celebrated a tree planting festival there. He participated in that as well. He continues to be very active. His working table carries more papers than ours do. I even saw a meticulously drawn-up schedule of activities lined up for him!
This is a great source of inspiration for us. We see the process of tree planting as a chore. But he does it with enthusiasm and pleasure. By talking to his team members, I could learn more about the Miyawaki Method as well as its unique features, and clear many doubts too. That trip was an unforgettable one for me.