Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (HB)

Mangaluru, Aug 22: Banyan tree has its own historical background and it is also worshipped in many parts of the world. Hindu mythology maintains that Lord Shiva meditated under the banyan tree with saints sitting at his feet. With its seemingly unending expansion, the Banyan tree symbolizes eternal life. Apart from the worship, it is one of the best trees for shelter in the hot summer with its large and thick shade.

With high medicinal value, banyan tree products are often used to treat and cure number of diseases. The juice of the Banyan tree yields an inferior rubber. A coarse fibre is obtained from the bark and young hanging roots, which is used for making rope.

A-60-year old banyan tree which was uprooted near old DC office, Bannanje because of strong wind just a month back, got fresh lease of life when it was transferred and replanted at Manipal Institute of Technology campus.

Speaking to reporters, Dr G K Prabhu, director of MIT Manipal said, “I had a dream to have a banyan tree at MIT campus as a green initiative drive. We have grown a natural forest called ‘Vajra Vana’ to mark diamond jubilee of MIT. In that forest, more than 700 different species of trees have been planted. When I got to know about uprooted tree, I approached the Researcher and Environmentalist Prof Balakrishna S Maddodi and Rotary Club Udyavara who put their efforts to complete my wish. Then I consulted forest officers and they agreed to replant the tree in our campus immediately.”

“Banyan tree lives for a longer period. Once it grows bigger, we have planned to build a stage like ampi-theatre for students under the tree. This would give a natural ambience for students to organize programmes,” he added.

“In order to save the old trees, the process of replanting must start now. Every citizen should think of replanting the uprooted trees in their land to promote greenery,” he said.

The Rotary Club Udyavar arranged a band set and Chande to give a symbolic farewell to the banyan tree on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof B S Muddodi said, “We have prepared a-16-foot wide and five feet deep pit to replant the tree in the campus. The total cost of shifting is Rs 70,000 and Rs 30,000 for the pit. We used a 10-wheeler truck and two cranes to transport the tree.”

Speaking to Daijiworld media, forest department official, Clifford Lobo said, "There is no less greenery in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi district. So forest department does not spend much on replanting. During the road widening work, many trees are felled in the name of development. But it should not happen. Such initiative of replanting has never been heard of earlier in Udupi. This move needs to be encouraged.”

“The whole process of replanting was new for locals and people gathered to see the work out of curiosity. This move gives a good message society,” he added.

Prof Raghavendra Rao, Tejeshwar Rao and Dinesh Hegde were present among others.