Shirish Chouriya
About Shirish Chouriya
Shirish Chouriya is a dedicated youth leader committed to inspiring grassroots environmental protection through Wild Roots Nursery & Nature Community Resource in Kurai village, Madhya Pradesh. He aims for environmental conservation by nurturing rewilding, agroforestry, and promoting forest-based livelihoods. He has also recognised gaps in the public education system and has leveraged his international exposure to enhance educational opportunities at Agrini Public School. Growing up in a Police Colony, Shirish's passion for the environment was sparked by helping maintain his father's community garden. Witnessing extensive deforestation and industrialisation in Seoni fueled his commitment to restore the natural ecosystem and drive conservation efforts in the region.
About their project: :
Wild Roots project seeks to encourage action toward environmental awareness, education, and conservation. It entails community involvement, particularly among young adults, to promote a harmonious coexistence with nature at the grassroots level in Kurai village which is surrounded by the Pench Tiger Reserve National Park. Aims to inspire people to make the environment a part of their life and to take positive steps at the grassroots level for environmental protection.
On a programmatic level it undertakes educational & pedagogy activities to protect, rewild & prepare indigenous and native trees, forests, wildlife & habitats. The organization is building a Nursery & Nature Community Resource Centre in the region.
It offers immersive programmes such as tree knowledge sessions, nature walks, environmental classes, field trips and workshops on topics like snakes and reptiles, as well as tree plantation programs at the community level. The organization involves teachers, students, and community members in activities that promote tree planting, forest protection, and wildlife habitat conservation. Additionally, it focuses on creating awareness and educational opportunities to foster a culture of environmental stewardship, through experiential learning programmes and workshops.
Shirish and Narendra’s holistic approach blending environmental stewardship with community development, makes them both inspiring force in promoting a positive change in the area.