Mangalore: Plant For The Planet! ‘ Laksha Vriksha’- a Campaign to Plant 1 Lakh Trees Launched at Kadri Park
Mangalore: It has happened in the past, it has happened today, and will happen in the future too – I have seen it and experienced it that during any government, city or private events that the dignitaries whose names are mentioned in the invitation, and who are suppose to show up for the even proceedings don’t turn up, and the media persons and invited guests have to keep their fingers crossing whether these VIPs are coming or no. Just like for today’s formal programme of ‘ Laksha Vriksha’ organized by the State Forest Department, nearly 25 VIPs names were printed in the invitation who were suppose to be on the dais. And guess what, only a dozen showed up, while the rest namely Ministers U T Khader, Abhaychandra Jain, Capt Ganesh Karnik BJP Leader, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, DC AB Ibrahim, Tulasi Maddinneni – CEO of Zilla Panchayat, Police Commissioner R Hitendra and many others. Is this the culture of our leaders or what ? Oh well…
‘Laksha Vriksha’ – a campaign to plant one lakh trees was launched on 18 August 2014 at 10.30am at Kadri Park by Ramanath Rai- State minister of Forest and Environment, along with MLA J R Lobo, MCC Mayor Mahabala Marla, MLC Ivan D’souza and other top officers from the Karnataka Forest Department, where each of them symbolically planted a sapling on the occasion. A procession comprising of college students was taken from Kadri Park to Gorakshanatha Jnana Mandir, the venue of the formal program.
The formal programme began with a short skit to bring awareness on saving forests and animals performed by the students of Govindadasa College-Surathkal, which was followed by a prayer song invoking God’s blessings which also was done by students of the same college. Pallaya of Karnataka Forest Dept. Mangalore welcoming the gathering and introduced the dignitaries on the dais. Dr Sanjay Bijoor- Chief of Forest Dept. Mangalore speaking on the occasion said, ” Green is always good for a clean environment , so we need to plant more plants. But it seems like not many people are putting efforts in creating a green atmosphere. Programmes like these will bring awareness among the citizens to do more towards environment and also to save forests” The programme was inaugurated by lighting the traditional lamp by Minister Ramanath Rai, along with other dignitaries on the dais namely- MLA J R Lobo, MLC Ivan D’Souza, MCC Mayor Mahabala Marla, MLA Moideen Bava, and other top officers from the State Forest Department. Speaking on the occasion minister Rai appreciated the environmental concern and also concern towards greenery by the students and citizens which is effective in creating general awareness.
He also urged the people, not to ignore the saplings once planted, instead water and care to see that the saplings grow into big trees. “It is also the responsibility of every citizen to protect the environment. Institutions, organizations and every citizen should join hands with the forest department to make ‘Laksha Vriksha’ project most successful one. We need to protect our forests and also animals. Government alone can’t do it, every citizen should join and support the government in saving forests and animals” Rai urged.
MLC Ivan D’souza speaking during the occasion said, ” Planting of trees and public awareness programme about the importance of environment and ecology, afforestation would help achieve sustainable environment and overcome pollution. Planting of trees will bring in clean air and will be also be healthy to human beings. Minister Rai is doing a yeoman job in promoting greenery in the state through various awareness and tree planting programmes, and we should all join in those projects.”. MLAs J R Lobo and Moideen Bava also spoke on the importance of growing trees and maintaining a clean environment. Both the MLAs stressed the need of many more awareness programs on Greenery/saving Forests/environment in schools and colleges so that the younger generation learns more about this issue.
Three eminent persons in different fields were felicitated for their achievements and contribution to the community, they were Dr J Ganapathy Bhat, Harish Muntrupadi and A V Harinath – they were all presented with a shawl, garland, memento and fruit basket. The vote of thanks was proposed by Rajshekar Puranik, while the entire programme was well compered by Prof. Gopal, a former NSS Officer, and Arpitha Shetty from Govindadasa College-Surathkal.
The program was organized with the cooperation and support from- District Administration, Zilla Panchayat DK, Mangalore City Corporation, NMPT, Education Board-Mangalore, NSS- Mangalore, NCC, MCF, Rotary Club, Mangalore, Animal Care Trust- Mangalore, Lions Club-mangalore and Horticulture dept. Mangalore.
Courtesy : Manglorean