Date:22/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/22/stories/2006112200430200.htm

Kerala

For love of trees

Trees are the eternal symbol of humanism, believes M.K. Harikumar, who has launched an ambitious project to plant one crore saplings across the continents.

The first sapling was planted at Adwaithasramam on the banks of the Periyar river at Aluva recently.

He has several well-wishers in this venture. Critic Sukumar Azhikode says `Project Aranyakam' is a key factor in deciding the fate of Mother Nature. Poet Kamala Suraiyya has a word of appreciation for Harikumar.

In Ernakulam district, Harikumar started his venture by planting a sapling at Agasthya Ashramam, near Kureekad, in Thripunithura.

Under the aegis of the ashramam authorities, 250 saplings were planted on the compound. Harikumar wants to visit all the countries in the world and propagate the love for trees.

He has decided to plant at least one per cent of the saplings on the premises of religious institutions.

The idea is to spread universal religion and brotherhood.

More details can be had from the web site www.onecroretrees.com

K. V.