By: HG Harikirtan Das
Trees in Vedic culture symbolise prosperity as against the notion of modern civilization which boasts its prosperity by tall, high raised, skyscraper buildings.
Srimad Bhagavatam (second and tenth cantos) encouraging contemplation on God describes that the vegetation in forms of trees, shrubs and herbs are hair on God’s splendorous Universal form (Virat rupa). In Bhagavad-gita, Lord Krishna explains that “Of all trees, I am the holy fig tree” (Ashvatta). Hence in Vedic culture, such auspicious trees are worshipped daily.
But in the modern scenario, worshipping trees is a tall call. The general populace is surprisingly unaware of the environmental anomalies that we are facing because of our indifference towards the tree cover. Ignorantly we are involved in indiscriminate, foolish and fatal acts of cutting of trees causing massive deforestation.
There are worldwide efforts by individuals, NGOs and many social and religious groups to bring in awareness about the environmental catastrophe of cutting trees (deforestation) and are conducting plantation programs (afforestation) as a solution.
IDVM- India, a wing of ISKCON focused on rural development, also participated very actively in the ongoing program of planting trees.
On the occasion of “World Environment Day”, the volunteers of IDVM-India went on a plantation drive encouraging both village and town dwellers to plant trees.
Around 250 and more saplings of various plants were planted. People from all walks of life were involved in this auspicious activity.
