At a time when major economies are backing out of environmental pacts and the number of green crusaders is dramatically shrinking to a few who wear green on June 5 (Environment Day), a landless man from Kozhikode has set an example worth emulating.
Years ago, V.V. Kunjikannan took it upon himself to plant trees alongside the Chakkittapara-Narinada road near Komathpara junction, Kozhikode. Now, the trees planted by Kunjikannan have grown up, turning the driveway into a beautiful avenue, where weary travelers can rest and relax.
Yes, the road to Pervannamuzhi Reservoir now resembles a well-kept alley of a garden than a public road.
Perhaps, the nature-lover believes there’s nothing more impressive to a traveler than the sight of an uninterrupted row of trees, which provides shelter from blazing sun and blistering winds.
Unlike the so-called environmentalists who go on a planting spree to mark certain occasions and conveniently forget about the same, Kunjikannan treats his plants like babies. Like a responsible single parent, he takes care of the saplings he planted until they can live on their own.
But why plant trees on the roadside if he loves them so much? Kunjikannan's answer is simple and straight: “I don't own a piece of land; so I am planting them on roadsides.”
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