tender hands to render greenery by subin mananthavady

Keeping in tune with the Kerala Government’s deep
commitment to preserve the environment and utilising the
State’s natural recourses in a sustainable manner, the
Government initiated the ‘Ente Maram Padhathi’ (My Tree
Project) in schools, which was jointly organised by Education
and Forest Departments. Around 22 lakh students of standards
V to IX planted tree saplings in their house premises on June
5, the World Environment Day as part of the project. A diary
bearing poems of ONV Kurup, Sugathakumari and Vyloppilly
Sreedhara Menon and tips for environmental conservation
was given to the students. Being the largest school forestry
project in the world, the programme is meant to create
environmental awareness among students.
The participation of renowned environmentalist Medha Patkar
who planted the first sapling at the inaugural function brought
‘MyTree project’ to national and international attention.
This programme is especially relevant in the context of rampant
deforestation, mindless exploitation of nature etc. and is a
positive step towards a better earth and a better tomorrow.