Seed To Shade

Our story

It started with a mango seed

In 2019, Aarav Chopra noticed something most people overlook: the seeds left behind after eating a mango.

Instead of letting them go to waste, he began collecting them from family, friends and neighbours, seeing in each one a tree waiting to happen. That first year, more than 7,000 seeds were planted across housing complexes and schools in Gurugram.

What began at home soon became a community effort. Housing societies, schools, government offices and an Air Force station have since hosted drives, with volunteers of every age planting trees and learning why green cover matters.

"What happens to the mango seeds discarded after enjoying the fruit?"

Collected seeds being potted before they are planted out.

How it works

From seed to shade

Step 1

Collect

Mango and other fruit seeds are gathered from homes, neighbours and schools instead of being thrown away.

Step 2

Grow

The seeds are germinated and raised into healthy saplings, ready to be planted.

Step 3

Plant

Saplings are planted at community drives with residents, students and partner organisations.

Step 4

Look after

Survival is tracked after planting. In Gurugram, about 78% of saplings survive.

Milestones

The journey so far

  1. 2019

    The campaign begins

    Seed collection starts with family, friends and neighbours. Over 7,000 seeds are planted across complexes and schools in Gurugram.

  2. 2019

    Gurugram Achievers Award

    Recognised as the youngest Environmentalist Achiever at the Gurugram Achievers Award (GAA'19), with coverage on DD News and All India Radio, Akashvani 102.6 FM Rainbow.

  3. 2019 to 2020

    Working with GMDA and the Forest Department

    Drives in collaboration with GMDA and the Haryana Forest Department. Appreciation from the Deputy Commissioner of Gurugram, Mr. Amit Khatri, and a feature in Dainik Jagran.

  4. 2024 to 2025

    New cities and partners

    Drives at MCD Pratibha Boys School in Delhi, Ansal Heights, Ikigai School in Noida, the Income Tax Department in Gurugram and Air Force 27 ED in New Delhi. Received the Air Force Award from Group Captain Lokesh Kumar Mishra.

  5. 2026 to 2027

    Corporate sustainability consultancy

    Partnered with COBB Apparels Pvt. Ltd. to plan and run its ESG plantation programme, facilitating around 10,000 trees. Now helping companies design CSR and ESG aligned afforestation programmes, from planning and partner selection to long term monitoring.

    Read the COBB case study

See the drives for yourself

Photos and details from drives in Gurugram, Delhi, Noida and New Delhi.

View the drives Plan a drive