‘Tree an eco-system in itself’

Minna Zutshi

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 5

Braving the fierce Sun on a hot, humid June morning, a group of nature lovers attended a tree walk session at the PAU in Ludhiana today.

Experts Dr Balwinder Singh Lakhewali and Dr Brij Mohan Bhardwaj shared stories about each tree species, rooting their tree-talk in mythology, science, folklore, folk medicine and Ayurveda.

“Each tree is an eco-system in itself. It sustains a host of animals, microbes, fungi and birds. Even the so-called dead tree offers sustenance to a variety of micro-organisms,” said Dr Bhardwaj.

“Once trees were part of our daily life activities. Life revolved around natural rhythms in which seasons played a major part. Medicinal trees were grown in abundance. In the folk medicine, the uses of these trees were clearly spelled out. Barks, leaves and flowers of each tree species have their specific uses. But increasing urbanisation and lack of interest are depriving us of our traditional knowledge and folk wisdom,” the experts said.

During the tree walk session, information about plants having medicinal properties was shared with the participants.

The participants interacted with the experts and asked questions on various tree species and their role in the eco-system.

The tree walk session was a rich learning experience for the participants.