By Dr AK SRIVASTAVA“The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago and the second best time is now”. Chinese proverb.
It means that it is always good to plant trees as they are an integral part of the universe. Our lives depend on trees as they provide us with oxygen; the most essential ingredient for our survival. Researchers have proved that trees are living beings and we initiate a life when we plant a tree. Similarly, we obliterate a life when we cut down a tree. Trees are the lungs of this ecosystem and unless pollutants are absorbed and emitted, we cannot breathe. Rain, the temperature of the atmosphere, clouds and other phenomena in this universe depend on trees. Hence, tree planting is a life-saving activity.
This year Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi launched a campaign, “EK PED MAA KE NAAM” (a tree in the name of mother). This is a very inspiring and powerful initiative with a deep-rooted message. This way we pay best tribute to our mother for our existence on this earth. She gives us birth, protection, food and milk and we cannot forget her contribution to our lives. Hence, our existence on this planet depends on trees. Not only do they provide us with oxygen but they also provide us with food, shelter and numerous other things in our lives. Recently, the Prime Minister visited many countries and this scheme was highly appreciated.
If every citizen of our nation plants one tree, we will be planting 140 million trees. Such a mammoth drive of tree planting will solve the problem in one stroke and change the entire ecosystem of the country. It is also crucial to save the existing trees and projects like “Chipko Andolan” are excellent illustration of saving this natural and national wealth. In Singapore, the government has managed to bring down the temperature of the country by one degree through massive tree–planting drive every year.
We have reached the stage where the world is facing crises of survival as we have been exploiting natural wealth most ruthlessly and indiscriminately. It is probably the best time to connect the younger generation to mother Nature as we enjoy the natural bond with our biological mother. The message is that the way we always remain indebted and grateful to our mother so also we should feel thankful to Nature.
“The best friend of man, on earth is the tree. When we use the tree respectfully and economically, we have one of the greatest resources on the earth.” -Frank Lloyd Wright.
In the name of development and modernism, human beings destroyed a significant chunk of rain forests and green cover of land. Such a haphazard and imprudent activity caused several problems not only for human beings but also for birds, insects, animals and sea creatures. Many birds and animals lost their natural habitat and food. As a result many birds and other species of animals became extinct. Many natural calamities like floods, droughts, landslides and avalanches are other consequences of such a disastrous act of humanity.
Today, mother Nature is sick and needs our care, attention and support. We can bring her back to good health by planting maximum trees and reestablishing rainforests. The Prime Minister’s message is for every citizen of India (school-going children, young men, adults and senior citizens). This is such a scheme that involves all of us. We are the most populous nation of the world and our requirements are in proportion to our population and land size.
Just as no family can be happy if the mother has been ill for a long time. Similarly, we cannot enjoy our existence on this planet if our natural wealth is not in good health and its balance is in jeopardy. First of all, we need to instill such values in our children and make them aware of tree planting. This is possible when mature people take appropriate action considering its importance. It is said that examples are better than precepts. Children will understand the importance of tree planting when they see grownups involved in this activity.
Many researchers, nomads and Adivasi people, who spend their time in forests, believe that trees are living beings and they symbolize productivity, beauty and peace of mind. They are most democratic, selfless and impartial in their behavior. They provide food, fruit, shelter and peace of mind to everyone who cares to preserve and protect them. Besides all this, thousands of trees have medicinal values and ayurvedic treatment largely depends on them. The concept of establishing a relationship with trees and forests has also been preached by many religious faiths like Buddhism, Jainism and Sanatan Dharma, .
In the words of PM Narendra Modi the most precious relationship in the world is with our mother. She is selfless, committed and helps us in growing. Hence, it is an excellent idea to celebrate this relationship and plant a tree as a tribute to your mother in her presence or (if she is no more) absence.
“Trees are the best monuments that a man can erect to his own memory. They speak his praises without flattery, and they are blessings to children yet unborn.” – Lord Orrery.
(Dr AK Srivastava is Principal, DAV Inter College, Dehradun.)
