New Delhi (Agency): On a day marked by hope and a promise for a greener future, Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took a significant step. He inaugurated a drive to plant a whopping 5 crore saplings, aiming to foster a deeper connection between humans, nature, and the divine.
Speaking on the banks of the Gomti River at Amrit Vatika, near Jhulelal Vatika, the Chief Minister expressed his reverence for nature. “If nature is protected, god’s grace to humanity will continue, and the earth will be free from disasters,” he said. Adding further, he mentioned, “these trees will become the medium to connect people with nature and God.”
Nature’s significance in Indian culture was highlighted by CM Yogi when he emphasized the value Indian saints place on three sacred trees: Peepal, Pakad, and Banyan, referring to them as “Harishankari.” However, he also issued a stark reminder about the consequences of neglecting nature. “When one plays with nature, one has to bear with its adverse effects,” the Chief Minister stated, recalling the recent heavy rains and disasters in Himachal and Uttarakhand.
Uttar Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak marked the occasion by planting three saplings. Interestingly, the state also honors its rich tradition by maintaining Nakshatra Vatika, which represents 27 constellations, and Navagraha Vatika, which has trees named after the nine planets.
CM Yogi referred to a recent call from Prime Minister Modi, urging every Indian to take a resolution during the ‘Kranti Diwas/Quit India Movement’ from August 9 to 30, known as the period of Amrit Kaal. Reflecting on this, CM Yogi said, “It is my good fortune that 9th August is one of the dates associated with the freedom movement.”
In an effort to instill pride and remembrance, the development authority established the Amrit Stambh in Mankameshwar ward, Lucknow. The Chief Minister detailed the significance of the number 75 associated with the Amrit Stambh, saying that this number was carefully incorporated in its various elements.
During the event, PM Modi’s concept of ‘Panch Pran’ was brought up, stressing the importance of individual responsibility toward the nation. “If a person is discharging their duties honestly in their field, then this is a tribute to the motherland,” said the Chief Minister.
The CM envisions that 25 years from now, the Amrit Vatika-Amrit Stambh will stand as a testament to the resolutions made during the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’. He hopes future generations will remember and cherish the steps taken this year.
The event concluded with Chief Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra explaining the dimensions of Amrit Stambh, emphasizing its connection to PM Modi’s ‘Panch Pran’, symbolized by planting 75 saplings in Amrit Vatika.
Amid the grandeur of the event, the underlying message was clear: nature is invaluable, and it’s our duty to protect and nurture it.