The founder of the Vata Foundation, Uday Krishna, is starting a project called the ‘Big Tree Quest’ in January. This project will last for four months and will involve Krishna and his team traveling around India to find and document the stories of 125 of the oldest and biggest trees. The goal is to raise awareness about these important trees and advocate for their protection. The team will be driving over 30,000 kilometers and gathering stories from folklore to create a platform for these trees.
The Vata Foundation wants to highlight the historical and ecological significance of each tree to promote a greater appreciation for India’s green heritage. They hope that by doing so, authorities will take action to preserve these valuable living treasures.
One example of a tree with a unique story is the jungle jalebi tree in the Government Girls High School in Nagarkurnool. Although it is not the oldest tree, it has become an important part of the school’s identity. After being damaged by a hail storm in June 2017, the school wanted to cut it down. However, the vigilant principal noticed that the tree was still alive and reached out to the Vata Foundation for help. Together, they worked to save this symbol of nature’s resilience.
The jungle jalebi tree’s journey to survival became a heartwarming tale of conservation and community bonding. With precise care, the tree was transplanted, and the school children actively participated in this process. They witnessed firsthand the tree’s resilience on a regular school day. The tree has now become a part of the school’s culture, and every year on June 23, students gather to decorate it with rakhis, celebrating not only the tree’s survival but also the enduring spirit of nature.
