A 60-year-old man shares his modest bedroom with a staggering 270 plants in western India. Thane resident Vijay Kumar Praneshrao Katti has converted his bedroom into a mini jungle. A science graduate and a biomedical engineer, Katti has dedicated his life to inspiring others and encouraging community participation to foresee a verdant environment.

"I worked as a biomedical engineer for several years. Over time, I realised how important it is to preserve our natural environment," Katti told Newslions Media.

However, his journey started in 1993 with several campaigns and seminar workshops on cancer. He was determined to guide people and make them aware of the disease. Slowly he was presented to global warming, pollution and the perils of modern lifestyle.

"I kept on thinking about how I can add to the environment. I found that a tree is an ultimate hope, the only naturally available source that can change the course of our lives. Slowly I made that tree a part of my life. Last year, on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary, I collected about 90 tonnes of plastic waste. Later, I had dropped them off at the nearest recycling centre," he said. "Waste is subjective — if we don't know its application then it becomes a waste — otherwise it is recyclable," he added. His plant 'addiction' has filled every inch of his bedroom, taking up all available floor space, bookshelves and the tables. Katti recalls 18 months back when he had got his first plant. However, it had died.

"That gave me a challenge. I realised the difference between the need and a necessity. I started researching and reading up about indoor plants.

I started potting several plants. For fertilizers I used domestic waste, which is again a process of recycling," Katti said. His plants produce 500 grams of oxygen every day. In the last 18 months, he has donated over 400 plants for several redevelopment projects. He also recycles glass and plastic bottles and uses them for potting plants.

"Compliances are our companion if we understand it. Good thoughts come when we honestly and sincerely care for it. Participation is extremely important to change the world. Slowly my bedroom was laced with greenery. Every small leaf that stems out gives me immense please, which I cannot even communicate.

I am grateful to my family for supporting me at every step," he said. "I would like more people to participate and to support me.

Alone I can refurbish the oxygen requirement of mine but it doesn't make a difference to the society.

However, if I can educate and spread awareness, community participation can bring a change," Katti concluded.