People celebrate birthdays by cutting cakes, but Chitto Tudu doesn’t.

The Padmashri Award winner who has pioneered promotion of tribal dance at the national-level, has thought of a unique way to embark on a green mission to mark his 86th birthday on New Year’s Eve. The octogenarian, who retired as the joint director of the public relations department, is a figure of inspiration.

The resident of Sahu Pokhar hamlet under Shyam Bazar panchayat in Bounsi block of Banka district, which is located around 280km south-east of Patna, has planned to launch an afforestation drive and a movement to save greenery in more than a dozen tribal hamlets in Banka district on his 86th birthday on December 31.

Tudu, who has been at the forefront of different social and charity projects for the downtrodden and tribals in the remote parts of the Naxalite-hit Banka district, said: “Old age prevents people from engaging in active social work. So, I have decided to celebrate my birthday in a special way.”

Tudu said tribals have great affection for nature, as members of the community worship plants, trees, mountains and rivers as part of their day-to-day religious rituals.

“However, the recent growth of industries and other development projects are threatening to wipe out the forest cover in the district. Deforestation has started on a large-scale to give way to the industries. So I want to convey the message of importance of trees and forests by planting saplings in villages such as Kalitola, Khaliantola, Sakhuatola and Sahebtola among others,” he said.

Tudu is sure that the drive would certainly help people realise the importance of trees and forests for their sustenance.

“Forests remain the only source of livelihood for many villagers, particularly members of tribal communities, in places like Banka, where state-sponsored welfare schemes have collapsed and Maoist menace had reached a peak. Our society should be cautious about the impacts of deforestation,” he said.

“Preparations are afoot to celebrate Tuduji’s birthday. A special programme would be organised at CS Singh Adivasi Residential High School on December 31 to mark the occasion,” said Rajesh Kumar, a resident of Sahupokhar hamlet.

Tudu has been working for the welfare of the tribals since his retirement.

On Republic Day, 1992, a group of tribal artistes from united Bihar (before the state was bifurcated and Jharkhand carved out), under Tudu’s leadership, performed tribal dance on Rajpath for the first time in the history of the state.

On April 6, 1992, then President R. Venkatraman handed Padmashree Award to Tudu for his exemplary contribution to the promotion of tribal art and culture.