Character is like a tree and reputation is like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing…
This is a famous quote from the people’s president of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. This “missile man” continues to live in our thoughts and he is close to our heart. To celebrate this great man’s birthday, on the 28th of October at Ipswich’s Shapcott Park, The Life Tree Movement Group were planting trees to honour Dr. Kalam.
The Life Tree Movement Group began in 2015 after the unexpected loss of Dr Abdul Kalam. However, he had left us with his dream to be fulfilled. His dream was to see that this world would become pollution-free and that there would be a clean future for the next generations. To continue his dream and give meaning to it, the group began to plant trees. The group aspire to plant 10,000 trees within 10 years and so far, 1037 trees have been planted in a span of four years.
The tree planting ceremony began with a minute silence to remember the significant people who had contributed and dedicated their lives towards improving the community. Then, it was down to business… planting the trees. The event was well-attended, with over 60people present, planting away.
A wide variety of native plants were planted near the Bremer River. Once the trees were planted, some youngsters had presented their speeches about trees.
Shreenithyaa had presented a speech that really moved the gathering. She had told the story of how a 78-year-old man had collapsed and that for receiving oxygen treatment for 24hrs, he had to pay $500. The man cried, and the doctor told him to not worry and that he can pay the amount in small amounts. However, the answer that man gave really brought it to perspective.
The man said that he has been breathing God’s air for 78years free of charge and asked how much he’d have to repay for breathing all that air. This was a highlight and made me think about how we are taking oxygen for granted. This is another reason for which we must rise and unite to plant more trees.
Another young girl Janani had explained to the crowd of how much support should be given towards such causes to benefit the world. She had made a point that people were not following through in planting trees and that people must become aware of this.
The best leaders have a high consideration factor. They really care about their people. This quote signifies the qualities that Mr Sripathy Kathiresan possesses. He truly inspires me as well as the younger members of the community to create change and be the change to benefit the future. I commend him for his efforts and hope to follow his footsteps.
To bring this idea to reality, the Ipswich City Council really helped us. We are truly grateful that they have been providing us with the trees year after year, free of cost. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for doing this for us.
Trees are a poem the earth writes across the sky. Humanity cuts them down for paper so we may record our emptiness. Dr. Kalam had also preached for all of us to plant ten trees each so that we can help to eradicate pollution and climate change. Let us all endeavour to plant ten trees because every time we plant a tree, they are giving us a chance at living. For those who would ike to join us on our journey, please contact me, Shreemmate Narayanan on: 0431341677.