Manipur’s Maram community adopt trees in memory of elders, even govt offices

At a time when trees are mindlessly chopped and amid fast depleting green cover across India, the Maram community of Manipur has come up with a unique idea to save trees. They have started adopting trees in the memory of family elders, historical legends, public leaders and even in the name of important government offices. This indeed is a first of it’s kind and also an innovative idea to protect the trees.

The Maram Bazar Village Authority and the Maram Police station have taken it upon themselves to make this initiative a grand success.

Speaking to Northeast Live, Maram Bazar Village Authority Caretaker Chairman Pungdi Celestine said, “These trees (around the marketplace) were planted 10 years back and now the villagers find it very important because these trees have beautified our town. Not only that, these trees have given inspiration and awareness to other villages who often come to Maram Bazar. We thought not only to spread awareness of the importance of trees but also to save and preserve them.”

The Village Authority Caretaker Chairman also said that the trees are being adopted under 3 categories.
As per the first category, trees would be adopted in the memory of departed village pioneers or elders or leaders since according to Pungdi Celestine, due to engagement of present day affairs, most of the people tend to forget the past, leaders and heroes. Therefore, such persons have been included in the first category for adoption so that their names can be remembered and nurture the trees in their memories.

In the second category, trees are being adopted in the names of important government offices such as the health center at Maram Bazar, post office, ICDS office besides others. The Maram Bazar Village Authority Caretaker Chairman feels that involvement of officers and staff will bring more sustainability and can be more helpful in making the campaign a success.

In the third category, the campaign calls for adoption of trees in the name of historical legends, historical heroes. Pungdi Celestine in this regard said, “because for a community also invoking the names of historical heroes is very sacred and we revere it in a very important way. When the trees are adopted in their names than we think that people will protect these trees very seriously and when the tree survives it will be considered as a blessing.”

Doibila Mazarello, daughter of a Maram leader and elder, in whose name a tree has been adopted, said that she has been inspired to be part of the initiative to protect trees.

She also expressed her desire to further advocate the need to conserve trees and spread awareness to younger generations as well.