For around 313 people, it was no ordinary Sunday. On the occasion of Prakruti Vandana, organized by Arogyabharathi Tamilnadu and Pariyavaran Samrakshan Tamilnadu volunteers with families came together to Kaatur Village in Tiruporur district with one common objective: to plant trees and be one with nature.
Once all the volunteers assembled, the organizers gave instructions on how to plant the trees and split everyone into groups. After planting the first sapling near a temple in the land, the groups proceeded to their respective locations. The groups were sprawled across the generous 60 acres of land. Each group was given saplings and digging equipment. The groups dug small holes, added some cow dung and coconut shells, planted the saplings and covered the hole back with sand.
Kids who were initially hesitant to touch cow dung became inspired after knowing its benefits as a fertilizer and used it happily while planting the saplings. Parents who have always wanted a chance to plant trees but could not do it because of constraints in the city saw their dreams materialize. No one cared that their hands were dirty because their heart was full. Ranging from a badam tree to a mango tree, different types of saplings were planted. Around 1.30 p.m, the volunteers had achieved a great feat of planting a total of 650 saplings in just a few hours.
Upon finishing the task, Shri. Thanga Pandian Ji who had done extensive research on herbs, threw light on the benefits of certain herbs and how it can be used as medicine. Shri. Ramesh Ji, who had arranged for all the saplings, inspired the gathering on tree planting and came forward to render his support for the cause.
Shri Meenakshi Sundaram, Pariyavaran Samrakshan gave a vision on the organized efforts by volunteers in cleaning two lakes in Chrompet, Chennai.
The event ended with a prayer. The motto “one sapling, one tree” resonated in the minds of the volunteers as they left satisfied and inspired.
Shri. Rajesh Vivekanandhan Ji State Organising Secretary of Pariyavaran Samrakshan highlighted the importance of providing a cleaner environment to our future generations and what steps one can perform to achieve the same.
