Mail News Service
Chhatarpur (Medininagar): The golden jubilee of the Vanrakhi Movement was celebrated with the inauguration of the newly constructed Environmental Dharma Gyan Temple at Dali village under Kaushal Nagar in Palamu district.
The temple and adjoining park have been built through the personal efforts and expenses of Dr. Kaushal Kishore Jaiswal, founder of the movement and National President of the Worldwide Environmental Protection Campaign.
The ceremony was attended by noted American writer, researcher and environmentalist George James as the chief guest, along with Pandurang Hegde, founder of the Appiko Movement from Karnataka.
Dr. Jaiswal, George James and Hegde jointly inaugurated the temple at Mohanlal Khurja Parvati Park.
Prior to the inauguration, the dignitaries planted a Thailand mango sapling in the organic garden and tied sacred threads around trees, pledging to protect them.
Addressing the gathering, George James said the echo of Dr. Jaiswal’s 50-year-long environmental campaign had reached America, prompting him to visit the remote village to witness the work firsthand.
He urged villagers to plant fruit-bearing and medicinal trees in their fields and protect them.
Referring to the melting of glaciers due to environmental degradation, he recalled the historic Chipko Movement led by Sunderlal Bahuguna and emphasized the need for collective efforts to protect nature.
Pandurang Hegde stressed the importance of celebrating “Fruit Festivals” and ensuring that planted saplings are nurtured until they bear fruit.
He warned that consumerist culture poses a threat to the Himalayas and the environment, stating that trees are living deities and harmony with nature is essential for a secure future.
Dr. Kaushal Kishore Jaiswal said the presence of international environmentalists in Dali marked a fulfilling moment in his life. “Shiva and trees are alike; both absorb poison and offer nectar to humanity,” he said, recalling how he was once ridiculed for advocating tree plantation after the severe famine of 1967.
He noted that persistent efforts over decades have now earned global recognition.
The Environmental Dharma Gyan Temple houses idols of Lord Shiva and Vriksha Dev (Tree God), along with statues of eminent personalities who contributed to society and the nation, including Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Birsa Munda, Mother Teresa, Sunderlal Bahuguna and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
The temple aims to educate visitors about environmental protection and the consequences of ecological degradation.
