When Green Sakthi began in 1998 (under the names of SAGAR & SAAP) in the rural village of Thirumalaikodi in Tamil Nadu, there was no electricity or public transport, and the natural area was arid, neglected, dry, and hot. The soil itself was compact and extremely difficult to work with. Due to the lack of trees, intense heat radiated from surface areas because of the hot climate, with only small shrubs present in the area. The Kailasa Giri Hills, which are now lush and fertile, were then completely barren. The Green Sakthi project is focused on reforesting and afforesting in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. Since Green Sakthi’s inception, we have planted 2 million trees.

We've pioneered a multi-cropping farming model with a core emphasis on soil regeneration. This innovative approach serves not only as a valuable learning resource for the local community but also as inspiration for individuals and communities worldwide interested in embracing sustainable agriculture practices.

For two decades, Green Shakti has been educating children on environmental stewardship, empowering them to become guardians of the planet. Through engaging tree planting projects and hands-on lessons in cultivating food, Green Shakti equips children with valuable skills that they can apply in their own homes, fostering a culture of sustainability from a young age.

We have cultivated a diverse array of medicinal trees, shrubs, and herbs, aligning with Siddha medicine principles—the world's oldest living medical tradition. Nestled within our 16-acre Sacred Grove in Vellore, South India, are indigenous trees native to the region, each boasting medicinal properties in their leaves, bark, wood, or roots. Within this sanctuary, we're establishing medicinal, aromatic, and tranquil gardens, serving as multifaceted spaces for learning, relaxation, meditation, and holistic well-being.

Sandalwood, revered for its sacred significance, faces endangerment due to its highly prized wood. This revered tree holds profound significance in the rituals of Peedam, symbolizing auspiciousness with its fragrant essence believed to evoke positive energy and foster deep meditation, ultimately ushering peace. Within the precincts of the sandalwood forest, we're establishing an orchard featuring a variety of fruit trees such as mango, jackfruit, sapota, guava, custard apple, sweet lime, jamun, and more. These trees are cultivated not only for their bounty but also to support annadharnam, ensuring sustenance for all.

EXNORA Zero Waste Management Program was established in 1997 in conjunction with the environmental organization of the same name from Chennai. The project uses the 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' principle, with each item segregated by hand and all biodegradable waste turned into compost. Paper, glass, and cardboard are recycled, and plastic bags are washed, dried, and sold for recycling. Today, EXNORA (EXcellent NOvel and RAdical ideas) is a completely self-sustaining unit, collecting more than two tons of waste a day and employing nearly two hundred local workers, including those with disabilities. This means that they can contribute to the family’s economy. The program operates without electricity and serves as a model for other rural communities worldwide to adopt. Every day, 2 tons of waste are collected, and our team sorts each item by hand.

We have installed solar power in our kitchen for annadharnam, harnessing the sun's energy to generate enough power for meals that serve 5000 visitors daily, at no cost. The environmental impact is significant: instead of relying on firewood, solar energy—readily available year-round—is utilized, resulting in a 100% non-polluting alternative that helps preserve many trees.

All biodegradable materials, including banana leaves (which we serve meals on), food waste from the dining areas, leftover ingredients from temple poojas, flower garlands, cow dung, and urine (directly from our cow shed—the mixture of dung and urine neutralizes the odor), are collected and left to decompose under the hot sun for three months. In the second phase, the decomposed material is transferred to the vermicomposting shed, where worms bred on-site further break down the compost over another three months. Finally, the compost is sifted and packed into bags. This nutrient-rich compost, often referred to as ‘black gold’, is sold at the temple and used in the campus gardens, afforestation areas, and tree nursery.