At the age of 76, Kallur Balan, a devoted environmentalist, died of heart issues at the Palakkad District Hospital. He dedicated his life to promoting environmental sustainability, animal protection, and reforestation, and his passing signifies the end of an extraordinary life dedicated to the cause of nature. Family members claim that Balan became unwell in the early hours of Monday and that officials pronounced him dead even though he was taken to the hospital. On Tuesday afternoon, his last ceremonies are scheduled to take place at his home.

Kallur Balan planted over 25 lakh seedlings of various kinds, including maize, tamarind, neem, plantains, paddy, yam, bamboo, and palm, across the districts of Palakkad, Thrissur, and Malappuram throughout his lifetime. His creation of a beautiful, flourishing forest on more than 100 acres of bare soil in the Chutiyanparamalai valley stands out as his greatest achievement. In addition to his job, his trademark outfit—a green shirt, green lungi, and a green headband—also demonstrated his commitment to environmental preservation and represented his inseparable connection to the natural world.

Balan’s early life was modest; he was born Balakrishnan to Velu and Kannamma in Kallur Arangattuveetil. Following his completion of the eighth grade, he joined his father’s toddy company. But when he came upon Sree Narayana Guru’s teachings, it changed his life. Motivated by the Guru’s principles, Balan gave up his toddy business and focused solely on protecting the environment.

Balan’s dedication was shown by his efforts to provide water sources in the rocky areas for animals, particularly insects and birds. He created tiny ponds amid the rocks to provide water, allowing plants and animals to survive in the tough environment. Throughout his life’s work, his wife Leela and their three kids—Rajesh, Rajeesh, and Rajneesh—were steadfast supporters.Even though Kallur Balan’s death signifies the end of an era, his legacy endures because of the woods he preserved, the animals he looked for, and the example he established for future generations.