Storm Brings Fortune to 85-Year-Old Man! Fallen Tree Yields ₹28 Lakh and “Sandalwood Shiromani” Honor

Staff Correspondent | July 10, 2026 | Bengaluru, Karnataka: If one loves nature, nature eventually returns the favor with interest. N.G. Keshari, an 85-year-old resident of Bengaluru, stands as a shining example of this. While severe storms and rain usually cause damage when trees fall, a storm brought good fortune into his life. When a sandalwood tree—nurtured by him for 40 years—toppled over, he received ₹28 lakh and the state government’s rare “Sandalwood Shiromani” honor.

The Beginning: A Sapling from 40 Years Ago

The story belongs to N.G. Keshari of Bengaluru, now 85 years old. It dates back about 40 years, when he was 45. A sapling suddenly sprouted in his home garden. Often, seeds carried by the wind land on the soil and grow into such saplings; most people would simply uproot them, dismissing them as weeds.

But Keshari did not do that. He thought, “Since it wants to live, let me let it grow.” He regularly watered and cared for that tiny sapling. Initially, he did not even know what kind of tree it was.

Discovering “Green Gold”

A few years later, as the tree grew, it became evident that it was a sandalwood tree. Sandalwood signifies more than just fragrance; it is “green gold.” Its wood commands an astronomical price. And where there is something valuable, thieves are sure to take notice.

Keshari realized the danger. Timber thieves could cut down and steal the tree under the cover of darkness. Deciding not to take any risks, he spent his own money to erect a sturdy iron fence around the tree. For the next 40 years, he guarded the tree daily. He kept a constant watch—day after day, year after year—to ensure no harm came to it.

A Storm Brings a Blessing

Recently, Bengaluru experienced a severe storm with heavy rain. During a violent storm, a large neighboring tree snapped and crashed directly onto Keshari’s 40-year-old sandalwood tree. Unable to withstand the massive impact, Keshari’s cherished sandalwood tree also collapsed.

Many might have seized this opportunity to cut the tree down overnight and sell it on the black market. However, 85-year-old Keshari chose the path of honesty. He immediately contacted the Karnataka Forest Department, saying, “My tree has fallen; please come and take it away.”

1-Ton Tree = ₹28 Lakh

Upon receiving the news, Forest Department officials arrived and retrieved the tree. Measurements revealed that it weighed approximately one metric ton. Under regulations, sandalwood trees are considered government property; consequently, the tree was transported to a government sandalwood depot.

From there, the state-run entity “Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited” purchased the tree. In accordance with government protocols, a sum of ₹28 lakh was deposited into N.G. Keshari’s bank account as payment for the tree.

A Rare Honor

Receiving the money was not the end of the story. The Karnataka government specially honored Keshari for nurturing and protecting this valuable natural resource—which is also government property—like his own child for four decades. He was presented with the title “Sandalwood Shiromani” along with a certificate of recognition.

Reflecting on the experience today, Keshari says, “I felt terrible when the tree fell. But the honor and the payment I received from the government have truly filled my heart with contentment.”