5th Anniversary of 111 Banyan Trees Initiative by Major Shivaji Pathade
Ahilyanagar :
In a unique and inspiring celebration of environmental conservation, Balaji Foundation, under the vision of Major Shivaji Pathade, celebrated the 5th anniversary of 111 banyan trees at Triveni Tourism Center with great enthusiasm.
The event witnessed active participation from students of Takshashila English Medium Junior College, who helped clean the tree rows, removed weeds, and applied traditional lime and red soil to the trees, promoting their health and protection.
The highlight of this initiative lies in its purpose. Major Shivaji Pathade shared the inspiration behind this tradition, stating:
“Every monsoon, tree plantation drives happen at many places, but the same pit is seen again the next year. Why? Because the focus is only on planting, not on nurturing. That’s why I decided—once a tree is planted, we won’t step back until it grows enough to give shade.”
To turn this commitment into a living practice, he introduced the concept of celebrating the birthday of every tree—not just to mark the day it was planted, but to honor the fact that it has survived and grown.
The program concluded with a community forest meal, where students and volunteers connected with nature and celebrated the success of the plantation.
Since 2020, Major Shivaji Pathade has planted and nurtured over 7,000 trees at the Triveni Tourism Center from his personal funds, turning the area into a green paradise and setting an example for environmental lovers across the region.
His message is clear and powerful:
“Planting a tree is easy, but growing and protecting it is true service.”
