(A Great Alert to the general public and the tree fellers)

In the modern world of ours even the authorities are chopping down the trees in the name of development. This knol pin points the great damage we are causing to the very existence of human beings by cutting down trees around the world.

Tree's Role In Global Warming

Every year we celebrate environment day on June 5th with a lot of fervor and activities. Our media, print and visual, put forward a lot of stuff in this connection about the coming peril, the alarming global warming. It was good that many could take some kind of precaution towards it.

If the present life style continues, no doubt we will be caught up in this peril. It is upsetting to note that cars, air-crafts, air conditioners, bulbs etc... and the way of life that causes the global warming. If we go on at this rate, the level of heat increases and it will definitely be a great threat to the earth's species as well as human. Another report says that "the world has just 10 years to reverse surging greenhouse gas emissions or risk runaway climate change that could make many part of the planet uninhabitable." This is a great warning from the scientist world. They conclude that unless mankind rapidly stabilizes green house gas emissions and start reducing them, it will have little chance of keeping global warming within manageable limits. The result could be a great destruction. The present alarming high rate of oil addiction is a great threat. It is high time that we think seriously for a Great New Deal, that we must start the action needed to reduce green house gas emission before we end up in disaster. We have to seriously consider our present way of functioning and to do something solid to curtail the global warming.

A Scene from my city Secunderabad. A friend named it "A Golden Tree" Pic. by P V A

Trees are an integral part of the human race. The benefits we receive from a tree are many. It has been estimated that a palm tree is useful to man in more than 250 ways. It is also estimated that an ordinary tree inhales approximately 14,000 liters of carbon dioxide, and exhales double the quantity of oxygen for human consumption and survival. Sad to say, these days even the civic authorities are cutting down trees in the name of development. But unfortunately, many do not know the consequences of their negligent activities. The massacre of trees means putting an axe to the very existence of human race. No doubt, the continuous felling of trees will cause irreparable damage to the already perishing flora and fauna of our country.

The need of the hour is to carefully plan and reduce felling of trees. The truth is that it is more profitable to leave a tree standing than fell it. A recent study says that, "There is a direct loss of over Rupees fifty thousand per year for each tree that is cut or removed from its place. It is also estimated that one tree yields oxygen worth thirty thousand rupees. If we cut trees at the current alarming rate, (Watch the video: The Australian Tree Cutter at the bottom of this knol) soon we will need to install oxygen manufacturing units in every corner of the nations, especially in the urban area which would cost a very high price that no government can afford.

As said it is not only an integral part of human beings but also so closely connected with the animal kingdom too. Animal kingdom is so connected of depended on our natural resources like trees etc. Here is an interesting picture and a video to watch in this regard

Goats on tree. Pic. Credit, Rocketnews 24

Watch This Video: Goats climbing on the tree

You Tube Video Credit. moorockrancgh

Pic. Credit. Arun Mathew

Trees absorb water from the ground, and then through transpiration, transmit this water to air as water vapor. Thus, they help maintain the atmospheric equilibrium. The study says another rupees ten thousand will be spent per tree on the other miscellaneous functions a tree performs preventing soil erosion, providing shade, food, fruit and of course, fuel (provided by the dead branches and manure made of decomposed leaves). In short, the cost of replacing a single felled tree proves expensive indeed! Just calculate the price of the several thousands of trees removed from earth every day all over the world. There is no doubt that this is a serious issue.

What the Religious Texts Says

A Typical Tree scenery from Texas
Pic. Credit. Jolly Daniel, Portland, Or. USA

Let us have a look at the religious texts in this connection, what it has to say on this:

In the Book of Genesis (the first book of the Bible) after the creation of man, Lord God said, "Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you; and to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the sky and to every thing that moves on the earth which has life, I have given every green plant for food". (Genesis 1:28-29). "He planted a garden toward the east, in Eden; and there He placed the man whom He had formed. And out of the ground the Lord God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:8-9).

Picture taken by Knol Author/Photo Journalist Vesna Cesnakozelji
used by permission: http://vesnakozelj.com/gallery-flora

In the Bhagavath Gita (The Hindu scripture), it is mentioned that "A tree's leaves, flowers, fruits, shades, roots, skin wood, pulp even the charcoal, everything, it gives to humans for their use. In short whatever they have they give it for others and they live a selfless life. How precious and satisfied are their lives".

In the Padmapuranam, another Hindu Scripture, we read, "The one who plants a tree on the wayside is a blessed man. He receives the blessings from heaven as long as it bears flowers, leaves and fruits".

The tree was part and parcel of human race from the very beginning. It was so closely connected with human beings. Trees not only connected with human beings but the animal kingdom too depends on trees.

Famous Personalities on Trees:

Poet Kabir wrote "Trees live a sacrificial life; soul body and everything they have they give to others with a sacrificial mind. They are the real munificent, they are the great benevolence. The ones who do service to such trees they receive God's blessings".

President Roosevelt said, "How sad will be a childless life! A nation without enough trees and greenery is also like a childless couple".

Trees growing in the midst of a tea plantation at Poopaara, Idukki Dist.
in Kerala.
Picture Credit: Bijin Thomas

Jawaharlal Nehru said, "Planting plants and trees and meeting its needs shows a nation's welfare and wealthiness".

Goutam Buddha said, "Trees are the best examples of selfless service. For their existence they never demand anything from anybody, instead they provide many good things for the welfare of the people. Even the person who puts his axe on its bottom, it gives him shadow till its fall.

Another famous Malayalam poet wrote:

"The one who pours water with a loving heart to a Banyan sapling, / When it grows, it gives shadow to everyone who passes by".

The Australian Tree Cutter - A YouTube Video

YouTube Video The Australian Tree Cutter

Trees are being killed mercilessly in the forest. The Australian Tree Cutter

Let the people who mercilessly cut the trees take note of the great danger they are causing. Here is a horrifying video which narrates how mercilessly the innocent trees are being killed in machine speed. Watch this video: "The Tree cutter from Australia".

If this type of felling of trees continues, one can very well imagine the disastrous consequences we human beings are going to face. We need to think seriously on this issue to find a solution soon.

Yet another point to note here is that trees have feelings too like other living beings, it has got its own feelings towards human beings. There are a good number of incidents we can put forward on this line.

Let me narrate one such incident that happened in my own life. This happened many years back and still remains a mystery.

The Pumpkin Mourned a Death

The Pumpkin Creeper

"The mother of a friend of mine, (lovingly I call her ‘Chittamma’—mother's younger sister) had planted a pumpkin creeper near their ancestral house compound at Valanjavattom near Thiruvalla (Kerala) that had a portion with thatched roof. Apart from this creeper many other plants and trees were growing in the same compound. Chittamma was the one who lovingly took care of these plants and other small trees.

Every time, especially when the annual vacation or other holidays came, we all gathered together and played cricket and other games in their vast compound. On such occasions I used to notice her special care and love towards the plants and trees growing in the compound. A pumpkin creeper had spread all over the roofing. A fairly big pumpkin had ripened. Her husband suggested many times to cut it down for use, but she, for no apparent reason, always avoided it and used to change the topic by saying that there was no hurry and that it would be taken down when some special occasion arose. She thus allowed it to remain where it was and since the family was not interested in cutting it down they almost forgot about it.

Days passed by, Chittamma fell sick and died. It so happened that while we were all assembled near her death-bed, sad and morose, that pumpkin, in full view of her, broke itself off the creeper and rolled down from the thatched roof on to the ground below. The fall almost to the minute coincided with her death. Later, this pumpkin was used for her own post death ceremonies on the suggestion of my friend's father who felt that probably the pumpkin was being kept for this very special occasion. Chittamma's death and the coincidental death of the pumpkin still remain as a mystery to me.

Here is another similar incidents in response to the above incident after publishing it in a news paper.

Death of Trees An experience of a Reader

These incidents happened few years back. Let me put it in his own words:

“We were living in the village in Bhagatpur district of Bihar State. My father, grand father and uncle planted a mango sapling, a guava sapling and an apple sapling respectively in our family courtyard. Other trees and plants were also growing in the same compound. They have given all necessary care to grow these plants; my mother also actively helped them in watering these plants. It grew well and started giving fruits.

An Apple Tree
Picture Credit: flickr.com/donsutherland1

Few years later my grandfather went to Varanasi in connection with our family business. In the year 1957 he expired at Varanasi, the same week the guava plant he planted in the village dried up. This is not an isolated incident. In the year 1960 my father also went to Varanasi. The day he departed the village in Bihar the mango tree he planted started withering and in few days time it completely dried up. Few years later my uncle also died at Varanasi, and the apple plant he planted in the village also died the same week”.

These incidents may be amazing and unbelievable to many of you. But no doubt there is some mystery behind the death of these plants and trees.

This type of strange reactions of plants and trees need a little rethinking. May be they are also capable of sorrow and happiness. Sometimes science may not recognize this as fact. There are many references in literature that plants too have feelings. But this is not convincing as poets and writers have a world of their own, where birds and animals' talk and smile etc.

A mango tree under the setting sun

The incident which I witnessed may not be enough for a scientific theory. But I firmly believe that many such instances and their statistical analysis might yield some positive results.

At the same time it is more difficult to arrive at a scientific conclusion if our observations are added with emotions and presumptions are drawn with a biased mind.

It would not be out of place to say that plants are at a very low level of consciousness when compared to animals. Pain, pleasure, longing, love, hatred, kindness, contentment and sympathy are the feelings of higher forms of life. Association of higher feelings with a lower level of consciousness sometimes may not appear convincing.

Tree Suicide: A YouTube Video:

YouTube Video

Tree Suicide

Though human beings are trying to eliminate these innocent beings in high speed for their personal interest, the trees love them and extend their limitless service to the human beings till their death.

Yet another interesting fact is that there are some trees which take the extreme steps of suicide. It is believed and established that even some animals commit suicide. “Springbock” animal in the Southern African forests kill themselves. This they do for the existence of their coming generations. Scientists say that they do this for their new generations' welfare. ‘Spring Bock’ animals are from the deer family, they join in group and suddenly jump into the water and die.

Humans' commit suicide because of frustrations, love failure, financial instability and even due to dreadful diseases etc.., but these animals, when their number increases they die for the welfare of their coming generations. They are paving the way for their younger ones, this is the scientific communitie's finding on these animals' mass death. There are some cases noted that even trees commit suicide. Robin B Foster, from the University of Chicago Press (the chief of biology department in Chicago University) in his ten years research found out that even some trees suicide. A tree named “Rackygaaliya vercikkolor” kills itself a year after its flowering. These trees are mostly found in the island of Baaro Colorado’. In the year 1970 eighteen trees flowered first time and they produced fruits and later suicide. In the year 1974, for study purpose he marked 430 trees out of which 80 flowered and produced fruits and later died. Robin B Foster says, they do this for the existence of its generations.

The Pumpkin story and other death of the trees mentioned in the above incidents shows that they have feelings like human beings.

Joan K, A Cancer Patient with her book
http://www.personalitreesbook.com

Joan Klostermann-Ketels in her recently released book "PersonaliTrees" (an eight-year labor of love) says “Trees are sentient beings", and each tree in this book stopped me in my tracks. They took my breath away. They have stories to share. All we have to do is be present.”

Instead of being present to feel their feelings we often destroy them for our selfish interests. But there are many exceptions to this, there are a good number of people especially in India give much importance and respect to these silent servants (service providers).

A majority of them in Hindu religion give respect to nature and especially to the trees. Trees have a major role in their daily worship services. In Hindu mythologies trees have been a prominent place and have given deep and sacred meanings. Though it may look strange to some these type of respect is deeply associated with faith. Ancient sacred writings reveal that tree worship was an age old practice in the Hindu religion. Aryans worshiped all kinds of plants and trees, this practice continue to be part and parcel of Hindu worship services till today.

A list of trees and plants worshiped by sacred Hindus

Banyan trees or the Peepal trees (Its botanical name is Ficus religiosa or Ficus benghalensis, is one of the important trees worshiped and featured in Hindu mythology. Peepal tree is also known as "Pilaeshwar Maharaj" (King Pilaeshwar). It also symbolizes the trinity god The Lord Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma. It also denotes life and fertility, this is one of the reason why childless couples take initiative in worshiping this tree. According to the custom this tree should not be cut, and it grows like a giant tree.

The Great Banyan Tree in Indian Botanical Gardens, Howrah, Kolkata.

The Great Banyan Tree

This banyan tree is counted as the widest tree in the world, it is also estimated that the tree is 200 to 250 years old. Some travel books state that this tree withstood two great cyclonic attacks in 1884 and 1886. this tree looks not like a single tree but like a small forest. Yet another god, Dakshinamurthy, who is worshiped as the "ultimate guru", is depicted under a banyan tree. He represents god Shiva who is believed to be the destroyer of ignorance and incarnation of knowledge.

Asoka Trees, like a fencing near a road.
Picture Credit. Bijin Thomas

Ashoka Tree, after Peepal tree Ashoka tree is the most legendary and sacred trees of India and Sri Lanka.
It’s a sacred tree in the Hindu religion, and is worshiped in Chaitra maasa (the first month of the Hindu Calendar)

Ashoka tree comes from the Caesalpaeniaceae family, and the Sanskrit word's meaning denotes, "no grief" or "without grief". This tree also symbolizes love, and is dedicated to Kamadeva, 'the love god of Hindu religion'. This tree has a symbolic importance in Buddhism too. According to the legend it is believed that the founder of Buddhism 'Lord Buddha' was born under this tree, and it is planted in every Buddhist monastery. It is also believed that Mahavira the Jain guru renounced the world under this tree in Vaishali.

This tree has a number of medicinal value, and our ancient poets and writers made mention of this beautiful tree in their works. Its flowers, fruits, bark are used for healing different diseases. Especially its bark’s cooling and soothing effect is good to the human body. It is mainly used in Ayurvedic medicines, it improves complexion, relives thirst and burning sensation, expels worms and reduces swelling in the body. It also purifies blood, reduces pain, stops bleeding and gives an energizing effect. This is mainly used for the treatment of excessive bleeding and uterus related ailments.

Here is a home remedy for leucorrhoea: Take the bark of this tree 2 tholas, Milk ½ seers, water ½ seers. Boil them together in low flame till only milk is left out, filter it and give regularly to keep control of the menstrual flow, it maintains a normal level.

Powder this tree's flowers, mix it with water and take, it is very effective for diarrhea with blood discharge. Ayurvedic books suggest: continuous use of Ashokaarishta (a liquid medicine prepared by using the parts of this tree) is very useful and effective for curing many diseases of women. Take ½ ounce of this tonic, mix it with equal quantity of water and continualy use it after meals. It will stop excessive bleeding in women, reduce leucorrhoea and relive headaches. It is proved and reported that the continuous use of this medicine completely cured leucorrhoea.

Bael Tree

Bael Tree, This tree is closely connected with god Shiva. It is treated as yet another sacred tree. It is said that Lord Shiva is pleased by offerings of leaves from the Bael Tree, especially on the day of shivaratri festival. Planting this tree around the houses and temples are equally considered as worshiping god Shiva. In fact offering this tree leaves is a compulsory ritual of Shiva worship.

Its botanical name is Aegle marmelos. It is also used for medicinal purposes. Every part of this tree is very useful for different ailments like diarrhoea, intestinal problems, amoebic dysentery, irritable bowel etc. and is also used for different Ayurvedic formulations.

Henna Tree (Plant)

A Henna Plant.
Pic. Credit. hennapage.com

This is another plant/tree—some grows like trees— which got a prominent place in Hindu and Muslim marriages. Henna is commonly known as Mehndi in Hindi and other languages, it’s a fascinating gift of nature and is an essential item in Hindu marriage ceremonies. This plants generally grows in hedges and a paste prepared from its leaves are used for applying on hands and feet especially on marriage ceremonies and other Hindu festivals. The Muslim community also uses this to decorate brides. These days it is a fashion among even the western countries. More on this can be read at this knol. Mehndi the Fascinating Gift of Nature.

A Full grown Henna Tree
Pic by Bijin

Anybody knows about this wonderful gift of nature will claim unanimously that it makes any woman beautiful and beautiful one doubly beautiful. It knows no age barriers, no complexion differences, and no regional, caste or creed changes.

Henna applied hands
Pic. Credit. Muraleedhara Panikar & Nisha

Women-the most sophisticated of them-go all traditional with rich, red mehndi on their hands and feet. This plant grows in hedges and its natural color known as mehndi green, when ground and applied on hand it turns a warm red color.No Indian festival, marriage or any auspicious occasion is incomplete without mehndi giving its final touch. This fascinating beauty and captivating warmth has been existing in the nature ever since man can remember. However, its use as a beauty aid started only in the first century.

Typical Mango Tree

Mango Tree

This is yet another tree to which the Hindus give high respect. Its leaves, fruit and trunk have significant roles in Hindu religious and social ceremonies. The Hindu devotees hang its leaves at their door posts during the time of most of their festivals. It is believed that hanging leaves at the entrance of houses, shops and other business establishments bring good fortune. Its importance is mentioned in the Ramayana, Mahaabhaaratha and puranaas. Mango fruit symbolizes love and fertility. In almost all Hindu religious ceremonies a pot filled with water and topped with fresh leaves of mango trees and a coconut is considered as an important item in the pooja services. The pot symbolizes the Mother Earth, Water the life giver, the coconut the divine consciousness and the mango leaves denotes life. In short the complete set of the pot is called "Poornakumbha" it represents goddess Lakshmi who stands for good luck or fortune.

Julie Mango Blossoms

Mango blossoms are used on Basant Panchami day in the worship of Goddess Saraswasti. The tree is also sacred to the Buddhists because it is believed that Lord Buddha performed during his lifetime the instantaneous creation of a large mango tree from the seed at a place called Shravasti.

Coconut trees in monsoon season
Its feather-like leaves spread from the top of the branch-less trunk.

Coconut Tree

Coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) is an integral part of Kerala’s history, lifestyle and economy. Its fruit the “coconut” is widely used in Kerala cuisine like aviyal (see this link for the author PV’s knol AVIYAL: KERALA'S OWN CURRY aviyal cuisine) coconut chutney, fish moilee and many other varieties of curries. Tender coconut's milk is used for making kerala’s famous Appam (a kind of dosa) and Kozhikkari—Chicken curry used mainly on Christmas and Ester festivals. In fact coconuts are widely used in Kerala’s cuisine. Tender coconut’s juice is a famous drink in hot summer season and its tender insider meat is eaten raw.

The tender coconut is a summer drink, PV enjoys a coconut drink.
Notice the Mango leaves hanged on top of this road side shop.

This is yet another tree which the Hindu households give a special place in their life. The name of this tree is originated from the Sanskrit word “Kalpa Virksha” which means ‘the tree which meets every need of a person in his life’. It is one of the most useful trees in the southern states of India. People use its wood for making houses and bridges. Its whole leaves are used for making thatched roofs. Its strips of leaves are used for making baskets, hats, mats and other beautiful craft items which are an attraction to the visiting tourists in Kerala. Its husk is used to manufacture coir, and is woven into ropes and doormats and other furnishing materials. The shells of the coconuts are carved into different shapes and make craft items which are an attraction to the foreign tourists.

The farmers of this tree make a kind of sweet drink called 'toddy' or tuba from the sap of the tree's blossoms. Its sap

is also used for making sugar, vinegar and other beverages.

A Typical Kerala House (in Champakulam Alleppy dt , Kerala) surrounded with coconut trees

In Kerala, every household plants this tree at their courtyard. It is a very common sight to see houses surrounded with these trees. One cannot find a single house without this tree. "Plant a coconut plant and water it for five years, then reap coconut for life" This is a common saying among the people of Kerala. This is true in a sense, that it gives its fruits for years without requiring much manure or water. Once it starts giving fruits, not much service is needed and it produces coconuts for years. A well tended coconut tree produces at least a minimum of 50 to 100 coconuts a year. A solid dried coconut meat commonly known as "kopra" is used for producing coconut oil. This oil is so delicious and Kerala households use it for cooking foods. This oil is also used for manufacturing soaps. and other beauty items. The coconut is an important item in Hindu ceremonial functions and worship (Pooja) services. Breaking of a coconut in the initial stage of any function is considered as very auspicious. Coconut is also offered in temples during worship services. It is also believed that this fruit represents the Hindu god Shiva and the three buttons like mark at the side of the coconut is symbolized god Shiva’s eyes.

Golden Shower Tree (G S T) (Cassia Fistula)

Golden shower tree

This is a flowering tree in the family of “Fabacea”. Konna Maram or Kanikkonna in Malayalam is an important tree in the Hindu religious festival called Vishu. Vishu is celebrated as the Malayalam New Year mainly in the central and northern parts of Kerala. This festival is also known as the harvest festival of Kerala which is celebrated every year in April 14^th . In this festival this tree’s flowers are a major object in the vishukkani or kanikaanal ceremony which is the main celebration. According to the belief and system of Kerallites in this festival at this auspicious occasion of kani kaanal (first Sight) would be lucky for the whole year. Its flower has a very ritual importance in this ceremony; this flower is placed in the prominent place in the kanikaanal materials.

A GST from Secunderabad, A.P
Pic. by Bijin.

GST and its flowers are depicted on twenty different Indian postal stamps. It is also featured on a 2003 Joint Canadian—Thai design for a 48 cent stamp—part of a series of featuring of national emblems.

A GST Picture From Kerala.by Rijin Thachanalil

GST is is widely cultivated in different parts of Kerala as an ornamental plant. When the tree is in its full blooms its flowers are totally covered and sometimes the trunk and its leaves won’t be visible. It blooms in spring season.

This tree’s flower is the state flower of Kerala, India, and also the national flower of Thailand.

GST and its parts like the flowers, fruits, trunk, root etc. are used in medicinal purposes. In Ayurvedic medicine it is known as ‘aragvadha’ or “Disease killer”. Diseases like arthritis, nervous system disorders, blood related diseases like hemorrhages, different cardiac conditions and stomach related diseases like acid reflux are being treated with its fruit pulp.

Neem Tree

Neem Trees growing on the side of a footpath
Pic. Credit: Bijin T Thomas

This is yet another important tree the Hindus treat with much reverence. It is popularly known as ‘the miracle tree’. In Sanskrit it is called “Arishtha” means ‘the reliever of diseases’

this tree is a common tree in India and is also known as ‘village tree’. Neem or Margosa is a botanical cousin of Mahogany. It belongs to the family Meliaceae. The Latinized name of Neem - Azadirachta indica - is derived from the Persian word: “Azadirakht” That is, Azad = Free, dirakht = Tree, i - Hind = of Indian Origin which literally means: ‘The Free Tree of India’. For a brief background, chemical investigations of neem click here Chemistry of Neem

A Neem Tree near a Hindu Temple
at Secunderabad A.P
pic. credit. Bijin

Neem trees curative and protective powers are noteworthy. It has an important religious aspect too in the Hindu religion. According to the tradition or myths, it is believed that, Indra—the king of Celestial—bestowed neem with its unbelievable power. The story says, after obtaining the golden pot of ambrosia from demons he spilled the ambrosia on a neem tree making it blessed with many good qualities that can cure many diseases. Another myth is that insects are said to be the creation of evil demons and neem trees weakens the insects and thereby protects human beings. There are many such stories connected with neem trees and its miraculous healing power.

Ancient texts like Vedas (basis of Ayurvedic tradition) indicates the medicinal value of neem. Yet another ancient text written by Varahamihira (AD 505) sometimes known as ‘the encyclopedia of Indian Culture.” Had a mention of this wonderful tree.

This tree can be seen in every Indian household. Its leaves are hanged on the entrance of the doorpost and are believed that it wards off evil spirits, and also believe that it is a passage to heaven. In the Indian villages the new born babes are laid on its leaves and believe that it gives them a protective appearance. The brides before marriage take bath in the water filled with these leaves. It is established that Neem trees releases more oxygen than any other trees. In short it’s a miracle tree and can find its mention in the ancient texts.

In the northern part of Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu the people use its dried and powdered tubulars as a stimulating tonic. It has number of medicinal usages; its every part is used for this purpose. Especially in most of the Ayurvedic medicine it is an essential item. Oil made from this tree is used in medicines as well as in pest control and cosmetic industries. Its leaves are an important part used in treating Chickenpox. Yet another belief of Hindu religion, Sithala the 'goddess of chickenpox' lives in neem trees. Neem tea is another drink usually used for treating headache and fever. Its flowers are used for intestinal problems. Its barks acts as an analgesic and be used to cure high fever like malaria. Its leaves are used for curing some skin diseases. Some even believe that this can even purify human bodies.

Other than medicinal uses it has got many other uses in India. Some parts of the country people use its twigs as tooth brush. It is also used as a rehabilitating plant in waste land regions. Its pulps are used for producing methane gas. It acts as carbohydrate and a rich base for other industrial fermentation. Its barks are used in mass tanning and dyeing in industries. In some part of southern states, its woods are used to make furniture. In the cultivation of sugarcane, vegetable and many other crops, its cakes are used as a fertilizer. To face the global warming many countries are constantly cultivating neem tree as a major crop. The Worldwide Neem Foundation is playing an important role in making awareness among people about neem and its importance.

This tree can be grown in any soil like clayey, dry, stony or shallow. It requires very little water and needs more sunlight. It grows from its seeds as well as from its cuttings.

A Banyan Tree is protected!! A scene from my city Secunderabad, A.P.
Pic. by Bijin

Though there are people who try to put their axe on the tree there are some exception to this. A good number of people who respect and try to protect its existence. The above given narrations about trees are few of the examples in this category. Here is a picture it speaks volumes, A tree is protected! instead of cutting down, the compound wall is built in such a way for the existence of this old tree.

Yet another Earth Day—22^nd April—passed by, Tree lovers and environmentalists did their part to promote their cause by planting tree saplings and various other connected activities. Let us continue to do this and many other things like avoiding usage of plastic bags, instead buy and use personal care natural products, use only reusable bags, limit the usage of water, like uncontrollable usage of showers, vessels, cloth washing etc. If we take little more care in our daily activities we can control the usage of water and thereby help the mother earth to survive.

Planting Trees for her future, India's village women plant saplings,
Pic. Credit. mckaysavage.

Let us be more careful while using water in our daily life. Limit the usage of personal vehicle instead take a bus trip or share a vehicle, by this one can reduce the emission of air pollution. If each one do this there will be a tremendous cut in the environmental air pollution. Let this be a practice in our daily life not only on such particular days but also in our everyday life. This will definitely be a help in saving our earth from a quick ruin. The best part of all these is each one plant a tree that will make a great difference in our environmental pollution as well as our own existence on this earth.

In the above picture, as part of a religious ceremony Indian women plant new saplings, and their little girl keenly watching.

The latest developments in my city - Hyderbad

The latest news on these issue is that, The Times of India’s yesterdays (15th Aprl) edition published a news item under the title "Trees get axe effect for Rosaiah's heli-hop" the news says, "Chief minister K Rosaiah may have not used his helipad adjacent to the Secretariat even once, but overzealous officials thought it was best that the area around it was cleared. So, as many as 24 trees on the footpath in front of the helipad were axed late on Tuesday night, to ensure that the CM enjoys a smooth chopper ride, in case he proposed to fly out from here.

City environmentalists staged a dharna (protest march) at the spot on Wednesday and said that the felling was carried out by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) as the trees may have caused hindrance to the CM's chopper. The trees were identified as gulmohar, neem and peltophorans."

The tree lovers raised protest against such actions, they say, "They could have opted for trans-location if it was such a necessity. Why chop them so ruthlessly?" environmentalists questioned.”

On Wednesday, members of various social groups like Forum for a Better Hyderabad (FBH), Cova and Puccar demanded stringent action against the concerned officials. Click Here to Read more:

These are some of the serious issues happening in all over the world, the people who cut or fell the trees should find an alternative arrangement to raise or plant more trees. The tree lovers should join together and form such forums to save trees from the destructing hands of these types of cruel people.

The people who initiate removing of trees from this earth should take note that they are putting an axe on the very existence of their life. Let them plant more sapling in its place. Planting of saplings through school and college level will make a big difference to this serious threat. Let us introduce awareness programs in school and university levels. The tree lovers group or forums, and of course the media print and web can play a vital role in this to promote this awareness among people.

Fall Tree Parkedge 2 Samantha OBrien

A Call From Greenpeace India—Earth Day Give Earth A Hand

Here is an interesting video to watch on this day (The World Environment Day). This is posted by Greenpeace India Organization. They posted a note along with the video it says: "Happy world environment day! Years of neglecting our most precious resource have caused damage all around the world, and it will only get worse if the exploitation continues."

A Music Video captured at the outset of Amazon Rain-forest.

YouTube Video

Amazon Rain-forest Relaxation Video

Here is yet another video to watch.

This video gives a glimpse of the rain forest's beauty as well as a soothing music.
A good relaxation music video in the midst of serious thoughts on the subject tree.

Please enjoy the music and relax.

Thanks for your valuable time.

Yet Another Music Video - Please Enjoy: by Aerial PV - Forest of Rain

Aerial PV - Forest Of Rain

Watch the following videos and get more information in these lines

These videos will give an impact about the seriousness of Global Warming and the role each one of us can play in this regard

Video Credit Ausante

Video Credit: Torbjorn I Floholmen

PS: Read a Malayalam version (a gist of this blog/knol): മരങ്ങളില്‍ മനുഷ്യ ഭാവി! മരം മുറിക്കുന്നവര്‍ ജാഗ്രതൈ!!

Source:

http://www.personalitreesbook.com

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

World Book encyclopedia

Tree Suicide video

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=trees+suicide.&btnG=Search&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

Images Source Names and Links:
1). Mango Tree: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11188344@N06/2917322315 by. prmn_2002

2) From the photo gallery of Vesna Kozelj http://vesnakozelj.com/gallery-flora
3) Pumpkin. http://www.flickr.com/photos/dvorak319/3929698644/ by. dvorak

4). Mango Tree under the scorching sun: http://www.flickr.com/photos/58362482@N00/429556356/
5). Trees among tea plantation, Ashoka Trees, Bijin T Thomas, Nellikkamon, Ranny, Kerala

6) The Great Banyan Tree: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Banyan

7). Beal Tree: http://www.flickr.com/photos/soluy/3342410987 by soluy_2007
8). Typical Mango Tree: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/245283
9). Red colored mango: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/234992
10). Coconut Trees in monsoon: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1087968

11). Julie Mango Blossoms http://www.flickr.com/photos/coreykgraham/4436425563/ by Corey Graham

12). Golden Shower Tree: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mariasg/287620456/ by Maria
13). Jolly Daniel, Portland, OR. USA.
14). Golden Shower Tree from Kerala. by Rijin Thachanalil

15) Henna Plant Picture: http://hennapage.com

16) http://timesofindia.com http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Trees-get-axe-effect-for-Rosaiahs-heli-hop/articleshow/5806923.cms
17) YouTube: Credit: Blysu
18) Planting saplings. Pic. Credit. mckaysavage.

19)"Living in a Tree."

20) Greepeace.org
21) Amazon Rain-forest Relaxation Video:

22) Aerial PV - Forest Of Rain
23) Samantha OBrien

Comments

Trees in Europe and in the city (Luxembourg-Europe)...

Hi Phil,

I would like to present to You and our visitors and followers my country "Luxembourg" in Europe with a song, an anti-racism song by youth (actually a hit in my country, I love it...), watch the video and see lots of trees even in the City itself http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbyCtbGZyeM, enjoy and feel young ;-)

BTW: You will listen to my mother tongue language "Luxembourgish"...

Luxembourg-City is one of the rare cities who have lots of parks and trees in the world in the City itself, but where is Luxembourg (Europe) situated: http://goo.gl/2Y3sw.

Have a nice day and best regards,
Gust

Last edited Sep 27, 2011 9:36 AM

Pages

Our Existence Depends on Natural Resources: An Alert to the General Public and the Tree Fellers

(A Great Alert to the general public and the tree fellers)

In the modern world of ours even the authorities are chopping down the trees in the name of development. This knol pin points the great damage we are causing to the very existence of human beings by cutting down trees around the world.

Contents

What the Religious Texts Says

Famous Personalities on Trees:

Goutam Buddha said, "Trees are the best examples of selfless service. For their existence they never demand anything from anybody, instead they provide many good things for the welfare of the people. Even the person who puts his axe on its bottom, it gives him shadow till its fall.

The Australian Tree Cutter - A YouTube Video

YouTube Video The Australian Tree Cutter

The Pumpkin Mourned a Death

Death of Trees An experience of a Reader

Tree Suicide: A YouTube Video:

YouTube Video

A list of trees and plants worshiped by sacred Hindus

The latest developments in my city - Hyderbad

A Call From Greenpeace India—Earth Day Give Earth A Hand

A Music Video captured at the outset of Amazon Rain-forest.

YouTube Video

Yet Another Music Video - Please Enjoy: by Aerial PV - Forest of Rain

Aerial PV - Forest Of Rain

Watch the following videos and get more information in these lines

Comments

Trees in Europe and in the city (Luxembourg-Europe)...

June 5th (Environment Day) Is Fast Approaching

This Knol is a Trending Knol Today

Work Flow- Earth Day- 2011

Pictures as Messengers

Workflow...

Interesting video...

Thanks for your effort!!!

That video!

Nature lover

A Very Timely Knol

Long overdue post

Thanks AP

Excellent Knol

Its Progressing PV

Five Stars.

A small tip

Thanks Mesjay

Thought provoking

Great effort Philip

Your knol referenced...

Thanks for the invitation

Wow, great knol ;-)

Congrats PV

If only authorities would heed!

Well done!

Oh Sure PV !

Thanks Murali

A Very Serious Issue

Interesting

Images of the Spirit of Trees

Glad you feel this way

That's Very Kind of you KS

Search for uses of this page ▼ /collected this page

our existence

Our Existence

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