Governor attends Amrit Briksharopan programme in Chandubi
Appealed to plant saplings on birthdays
Guwahati, Rongili Barta- With a view to enrich Azadi Ka Amrit Kal with verdant splendor, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria attended the Amrit plantation drive at Chandubi today. He also participated in planting sapling along with Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma. Speaking on the occasion the Governor said, “As we stand on the sacred grounds of Mother Earth, we are humbled by the abundant blessings she has bestowed upon us. Thus, it is incumbent upon each individual to listen to the calling of our nurturing planet and sow the seeds of transformation by planting a sapling.” The Governor also said that Earth is unique in the universe because it is the only constellation where both life and vegetation exist. The balance of life and vegetation is a natural quality of nature on Earth and it is everybody’s responsibility as humans to maintain the balance in order to preserve the environment. Recognizing the importance of the environment the Governor said, “In India, the importance of the environment has been recognized since ancient times. Our wise sages and scholars revered nature and made it their home. Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore even referred to Indian culture as the ‘Aranya’ culture, highlighting the close connection between the nature and our heritage.” He also referred to 363 members of Rajasthan’s Bishnoi community, led by the fearless Amrita Devi who sacrificed their lives to save trees. Referring to Indian scientist Jagdish Chandra Basu, the Governor said that, Dr Basu had proved through experiments that plants also have the ability to experience happiness and sorrow like other living beings. Kataria further said, “The need of the hour is to encourage our young generation by setting an agenda before them. Our beautiful planet has sustained us and fulfilled our need in different ways. It is time for us now to work as a community and act responsibly to protect our environment from further degradation. A lot of damage has already been done and we have already witnessed the fury of our environment in different manifestations.” He also appealed to all to consistently engage in plantation activities and establish a tradition of planting trees on significant occasions such as birthdays or other important milestones in their lives. The First lady of Assam Anita Kataria, Environment Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, Cabinet Ministers, MPs, MLAs and a host of dignitaries were present on the occasion.