Shri. D. K.Murali MLA,
Shri. V. K. Madhu, District Panchayat President,
Dr. A. G Pandu Rangan, Director, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden & Research Centre,
Shri. K. Madhavan, Vice Chairman, Asianet News
Shri. Frank P. Thomas, Director, Asianet News,
Shri M.G. Radhakrishnan, Editor, Asianet News,
Dr. Siddeek Ahmed, Chairman, Eram Group
Priyappetta Adhyaapakare, Priya vidyaarthikale,
Sahodaree Sahodaranmare
Madyama Suhruthukale,
Ellavarkkum Ente Namaskaram
I am extremely happy to inaugurate this very meaningful programme, ENTE MARAM, ENTE JEEVAN (MY TREE MY LIFE) , organized by Asianet News Network , in connection with the World Forest Day at the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBG&RI).
The message that I get from the presence and excitement of over two thousand school students is that our young generation is keen to preserve the beauty of our environment by pledging to protect our trees and forests. In fact, hugging a tree symbolises one's resolve to protect our greenery in the way protect our dear ones. Added to this is the pride of being part of an initiative that would lead to a Guinness Record.
The International Day of Forests, observed on 21st March since 2013, following a proclamation of the United Nations provides an opportunity for people all over the world to reflect on the essential role of the environment and the forests in our lives today and in the years to come. This day also reminds us that this earth does not belong to us alone. The trees that make the world green and colourful, the animals, birds and several other living beings have an equal right over this earth.
We should remember that almost 30% of the total land worldwide is covered by the forests. These forests have over 60,000 tree species which have proven to be rich resources of food, fuel, fodder, essential oils, medicines etc., for millions of people all over the world.
But, unfortunately, our world suffers a loss of over 32 million acres of forests every year. When a forest is destroyed, it is not just the trees that are lost; the inhabitant animal species in the forest also get displaced. Deforestation can cause severe imbalances in the natural climate, leading to major environmental issues. Luckily in Kerala, over the past few years,we have recorded a slight increase in the forest cover, which is almost 30 per cent of the geographical area of the State. Yet, the damage done in earlier years is already playing havoc with our climate.
I am happy to note that AsianetNews Network, the prominent news channel in Malayalam, took the initiative to conduct this unique Tree Hug programme with the cooperation of school children and different social organizations . Through its tireless pursuit of the cause of ecological conservation, Asianet proves that the role of a news medium goes much beyond giving news and views, to highlight the most relevant aspects of human life for the welfare of society. In addition, I must also mention that through this gesture, we are reminding our younger generation about one of the Fundamental Duties mentioned in our Constitution. You would recall that Article 51 – A (g) of our Constitution urges every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures.
I understand that the present Guinness record for collective Tree hugging is the participation of 1316 persons which was organized in Tata Chemicals D.A.V Public School , Dwaraka, Gujarat last December. This time, I can see almost double that number of students here at the Tropical Botanic Garden. The choice of the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden (JNTBG&RI)as the venue is most befitting, when we consider its contribution to the preservation of our rich bio- diversity , to the use of traditional knowledge in developing modern medicines and in its unique partnership in ethno- medicine.
I must also say a word about the Tropical Botanic Garden's efficient role in implementing the State Medicinal Plant Board's Herbal Garden project in Kerala Raj Bhavan. We are planting in two and a half acres of land, around 250 varieties of medicinal plants at a cost of Rs. 14 lakhs. It will be the third such garden in India after Rashtrapati Bhavan and Andhra Raj Bhavan and we expect the Institute to complete the work in two years.
To the children who have come for the Tree Hug, I would say that right now, at Kerala Raj Bhavan, we are planting as many Neem trees as possible.
You may wonder, why I should say this to you. I have a reason. I have come for this Tree Hug after arranging to plant trees. When you hug a tree here, you are also promising to plant at least one in your homestead. Planting is not enough. You must give it a name - may be, the name of someone you love most. You will never be able to ignore that tree because you would soon realize that the tree is as valuable as your life. Remember, Kerala's most celebrated poet, the Late O.N.V Kurup once wrote:
“Oru thai nadumpol, oru thanal nadunnu”.
But, the poem suggests that a tree does not end with just a shade. It heralds a Spring of flowers and fruits; it brings birds and squirrels and it finally brings more saplings, more shades, more birds and a lot of Oxygen to this world. When you plant a tree, you're planting a new world of life ; when you hug a tree, you are hugging life itself. I hope the saplings you take home from here will give you a new world of happiness.
I congratulate Asianet , Tropical Botanic Garden and each and everyone, who has endeavoured to bring this Guinness glory to our State through this programme.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Namaskaram
