Today a massive tree planting initiative was organised at the Anna University by Radio City, Siruthuli and RAAC to commemorate Dr. Kalam's birthday. Dr. Kalam has been a vocal proponent of making the earth liveable again and these massive green projects go a long way to making that vision true.
The initiative aims to plant 10,000 saplings in the university campus and developing it to into a 'small forest' densely populated with trees, the 'Kalam Vanam'. Dr. S. Ganesan, Registrar, Anna University Chennai and Vanitha Mohan, Managing trustee. Siruthuli were the chief guests for the event.
All the 10,000 saplings have been sponsored by Radio City through their recent 'Green Golu' initiative were saplings were collected from the public and Corporates to be planted on Kalam's birthday.
Fruit bearing trees like Guava, Gooseberry, Chikoo, Custard Apple, Jamun trees were planted in huge numbers along with Neem trees on 27th July at the Campus.
Dr.S. Ganesan, Registrar, Anna University Chennai who was one of the chief guest for today's event, addressed the gathering. He applauded the earnest efforts put-forth by Siruthuli towards creating an eco-friendly campus. He said that he was stunned to see the numerous fruit-bearing trees that have been planted through Kalam Vanam initiative in July. He extended his gratitude to Vanitha Mohan, Managing Trustee Siruthuli for contributing close to 12 lakhs for saplings and also for creating an artificial pond at the backyard of the campus deemed to hold 7.5 million water capacity. He also thanked Radio City for being a part of this laudable initiative.
He appreciated the efforts taken by Anna University in maintaining the health of the trees and the involvement of faculty members and the students in this regard.
Vanitha Mohan of Siruthuli cited in her speech a conversation she had with Dr. Kalam on his 80th birthday, 'On his 80th birthday, I had an opportunity to convey my wishes through phone. I also personally requested him to celebrate his 81st birthday here at Coimbatore. Kalam, laughed like a child and gladly accepted the request and indeed asked me back 'what would be his birthday gift, if he accepts to come to Coimbatore?'. I said, what do you want Sir, anything could be granted. He said 'I want trees'!.
Vanitha Mohan cited these incidents to the gathering which strongly affirms Dr. Kalam's love for greenery and an eco-friendly environment. He always wished the society especially the younger generation to take it up and cover this world with a green cover. The students who participated in the initiative were totally committed towards achieving Kalam Vanam.
Here are some pictures from the Kalam Vanam initiative:
