Turning Loss into Life: Youth Group Promotes Greenery by Planting Trees in Memory of Loved Ones

Kashipur,Sept 19 [UDN}:: In a unique initiative combining remembrance with environmental conservation, a group of young people in Kashipur block has started planting saplings at the local cremation ground in memory of deceased villagers.

Following the death of Archit Naik, a resident of Dudukabahali village under Kashipur block, local youths planted more than 20 saplings at the cremation ground as a tribute to his memory. The initiative seeks to ensure that the memory of departed members of the community lives on through trees that can grow and contribute to a healthier environment.

Teacher Jagannath Sahu said that the youth group has decided to adopt the practice of gifting saplings to villagers on their birthdays as part of its environmental conservation efforts. The group has also resolved that whenever a resident of the village passes away, 10 saplings will be planted at the cremation ground in the person’s memory.

The innovative initiative led by teacher Jagannath Sahu has drawn appreciation from local residents, who have welcomed the effort to transform occasions of grief into an opportunity for environmental protection.

A similar plantation drive was also undertaken at the cremation ground following the deaths of Saroj and Chitrasen, two childhood friends from the Dalit Sahi area of Tikiri, who died on the same day. The plantation programme was conducted by the youth group under the supervision of Lal Bahadur Duria, with different varieties of saplings being planted in their memory.

According to local information, Saroj died of cancer on the night of September 4, while Chitrasen passed away at the Rayagada District Headquarters Hospital while undergoing treatment for a stomach-related illness.

The plantation activities received support from Tikiri Forester Damburudhar Senapati and Sambad representative Ratnakar Naik.

The youth group’s initiative has emerged as a meaningful example of community participation in environmental conservation. By planting trees in memory of loved ones, the group is creating a lasting tribute while also encouraging villagers to take greater responsibility for protecting and increasing the area’s green cover.