Deepak Mahato
Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Feb 14: A group of youngsters hit the city streets Saturday with a message to people asking them to celebrate occasions like Valentine’s Day by gifting saplings to each other and planting trees.
The initiative by the youths drew appreciation from several commuters in the city. The young boys and girls were supported in their initiative by Bakul Foundation.
A cargo rickshaw stacked with rose saplings and pots was the group’s ‘vehicle’, alongside which they walked through several city streets. The saplings were decorated in eco-friendly wrappers and the pots were encased in fancy-looking baskets. The cart itself was decorated with heart-shaped balloons.
The youngsters were seen motivating passers-by to buy saplings for their loved ones instead of expensive gifts on Valentine’s Day. Many were inspired by the idea and bought saplings.
“Planting a sapling will be the perfect way to cherish your love. Watching the sapling grow into a tree will be symbolic of a relationship growing stronger with time,” said Sulagna Sivaprava, a volunteer.
“The Earth has given us everything, but ruthlessly exploiting our natural resources and mindless, unabated cutting of trees will have an irreversibly damaging impact on our environment,” said Anant Prasad, a member of the group.
Another volunteer, who identified herself as Neha, said there could be no better way of emphasising on the importance of trees than by gifting a sapling to loved ones. “It makes for a very thoughtful gift, which besides being affordable also actually does a whole world of good for the environment. It also sets an example for the younger lot to follow,” Neha said.
Engineering student Rahul Mehta bought a sapling from the group. “I was running out of ideas as to what to buy for my friend. But thanks to these guys I was able to buy the perfect gift in the form of a sapling,” Mehta said.
“A rose cannot be kept forever as it goes into the dustbin after a few days. I will plant this sapling in my house, which will grow into a beautiful tree. Like the sapling, my love will also grow,” said Mehta’s friend Rohini.
