Our ancestors considered trees to be pious, for they knew the significance and impact of these selfless life givers for every living being, from humans to tiny insects. Comprehending their crucial role, they lived harmoniously with nature, without harming it.
Over the period of years, the times changed. Overwhelming and rampant development led to deforestation, weather patterns changed, and vicious natural disasters marred the globe, especially in the last two decades.
Considering the present times and delicate environmental situation, the need for environment conservation, preservation and most importantly, restoration, is paramount.
India is a land of wisdom and divine love. And it is on this land that most revered Saint Dr Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan incarnated.
Perceiving the disastrous consequences of unchecked deforestation, it was in early years of 1990s that Saint Dr. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan, the current Spiritual Master of Dera Sacha Sauda, started his efforts towards planting and preserving trees, and conserving nature.
17 Years,17 Crore Trees planted, and the count continues to rise
In the year 2007, the disciples of Saint Dr Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan insisted on giving him a birthday present in his Incarnation Day which falls on 15th August.
Much to their joy, Guruji accepted and asked them to give the gift of tree plantation every year. Enthusiastically, millions joined hands to give the gift of greenery to their Spiritual Master, in turn adorning the mother earth and taking drastic steps towards nature conservation.
And thus began the never-ending tireless efforts of disciple world-wide, in greening the mother earth.
The first sapling is planted by revered Saint Dr. MSG himself. Inspired by his holiness and blessed with his divine blessings, the volunteers give their best efforts to plant trees.
Since 2007, lakhs of trees have been planted every year on the sacred incarnation day of revered Guruji, 15th August, and are taken care of by the volunteers like their own children, until they become self-sustainable. Since 2007 till date more than 17 crore trees have been planted by the Dera Sacha Sauda volunteers across the globe, of which 78% sustained and are thriving beautifully.
Guruji also appealed the masses to celebrate their special days by planting trees and to plant at least 12 trees per year, explaining that trees were the ornaments of mother earth and man’s best friend. Guru ji elucidated that a tree would be the most loyal companion of a man and his future generations.
The impact of the massive global tree plantation drives was such that deserted parched lands got transformed into lovely green areas, birds thrived, flowers bloomed, ground water levels improved and enhanced the overall prosperity of the area.
Along with this, Saint Dr MSG also inspired devotees to save and conserve other natural resources, such as water, electricity, fuel etc and minimize air, water and soil pollution.
It is worth noting that when some construction projects at Dera Sacha Sauda were undertaken, the land was to be cleared. To save the trees, Guru ji devised a unique machine to transplant the fully grown trees from one location to another. Guru ji ensured that not a single tree was cut and all of them were successfully transplanted. This illustrated his deep love and care for the nature and trees.
Leaving Green Footprints, Inspiring Others
As the caravan of green endeavours by Dera Sacha Sauda volunteers proceeded over the years, many officials, personnel of authority, government personnel, Panch and Sarpanch joined the drives. Inspired, they too began planting trees to mark special occasions and inauguration ceremonies.
The government of India also commenced ‘Van Mahotsav – A Commitment to Green India’, to maximize green cover across the nation.
Following the footprints of Saint Dr MSG, the common masses have started reducing their carbon footprint and are working towards environment conservation and creating ecological balance.
Trees – The Silent Life-givers
Trees are the literally the life and breath of planet Earth, supporting life in all its forms.
Central to maintaining stable and harmonized ecosystem, every part of a tree plays a vital role in life sustaining natural activities, right from releasing pure oxygen to maintaining ground water levels, air temperature and air moisture. Even when dead, the remains function to help sustain life on earth.
Bearers of fruits, flowers and useful herbs, they are crucial resources of food for man, animals and birds alike. They also provide habitat to millions of species of birds, animals, insects and microorganisms.
These green jewels maintain as well as deeply impact the weather patterns, as has been evident through scientific research and practical experiences over the decades.
Hence the significance of trees can never be overstated.
Therefore, together, let’s plant as many trees as possible by following the guidance of Saint Dr Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan, take care of them and ensure that our planet along with all its species thrive. Not only will our efforts help to reverse the climate change but will create a beautiful liveable planet for our future generations.
