In the heart of Guwahati, a city steeped in history and heritage, a movement is quietly gaining momentum over the past few days. What began as a murmur of concern amongst a knowledgeable few, has soon turned into a powerful surge of unity, drawing in people from all corners of life. Known and unknown, young and old, the people of Guwahati are rallying together to protect something that pulsed deeply within the soul of their city: The ancient trees around Dighalipukhuri.
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To many, these trees were more than greenery or shade. They were symbols of continuity, guardians of memories that have stretched back generations. Their roots wove into the soil of history, while their branches extended like protective arms over a changing cityscape. For those who grew up here, the trees held secrets and stories. For the younger ones, they were reminders of a heritage that still breathed amid the rapid development and concrete of modern life.
This movement to protect Dighalipukhuri’s trees brought to my mind a powerful scene from the Hollywood blockbuster, James Cameron’s Avatar (2009). In that film, the natives of Pandora- the‘Omaticaya’ tribespeople- united with fierce resolve to protect their sacred “Mother Tree.” Their Mother Tree was their lifeblood, much like how ‘Nature’ is our lifeblood, nurturing us, sheltering us, and asking little in return. To the Omaticaya, defending their Mother Tree wasn’t just a decision — it was an instinct, a part of their identity. In Guwahati, this sense of duty, of inherent responsibility to protect nature, is beginning to rise in the hearts of its people.
Yet, there is a delicate truth to this cause. As Assamese, we are often labeled “আবেগিক / Emotional.” We are known to get swept up in the issues we care about, passionately advocating for change, only for that passion to wane when new challenges or interests take hold. In this case, however, the stakes are far too high to allow our emotions to fade. The trees surrounding Dighalipukhuri are more than just natural resources; they are a part of the city’s heritage, connecting the past to the present. They embody the essence of Guwahati itself — resilient, rooted, yet reaching for the sky.
This isn’t just a call to save some ’20 odd trees’ ! It’s a call to save a piece of Guwahati’s soul. It’s about looking beyond the immediacy of social media posts and fleeting trends, about resisting the urge to jump onto the “trending” bandwagon, and truly understanding the depth of what we are fighting for. These trees aren’t here to gain likes or shares; they are here to preserve our heritage. They are the silent, steady witnesses to centuries of life, growth, and change. They have seen Guwahati evolve from a small settlement to a bustling city, and now they face the looming threat of being erased, as if they were mere objects rather than ancient caretakers of our land.The destruction of these ancient trees will not only displace its myriad inhabitants, but also render Guwahati devoid of vitality, resembling a lifeless entity.
We must ask ourselves: If not us, then who? If not now, then when? This moment, this rallying of voices, must not fade into obscurity. Our strength lies in our unity, and our resolve must be unwavering. Let’s continue to speak up, not because it’s politically expedient or socially fashionable, but because it is the right thing to do. Our heritage, our memories, and our future are quite literally rooted in these trees. If we wish to leave behind a legacy of integrity, resilience, and respect for nature, we must stand firm.
In doing so, perhaps we will plant a seed in the hearts of our children — a seed that grows into a conviction to stand up for what they believe is right. This unified stance by the people of Guwahati (& I am sure from other parts of our state andour great nation, too!) has the potential to ignite a domino effect, setting a powerful example for future generations. In their eyes, we will become the modern-day ‘Omaticaya’, protectors of all that is sacred to our identity. Through our actions, we leave behind more than just trees; we leave behind a story of resilience and an enduring commitment to our roots. We show them that protecting what we cherish is both a privilege and a responsibility.
And as I weave my thoughts together, I am reminded of another legendary figure in Assamese history: Bir Lachit Borphukan. With unmatched courage and loyalty, he defended his motherland against seemingly insurmountable odds. Today, his spirit lives within each of us as we rise to defend our own heritage. In these trees, in this movement, I believe we can find echoes of Lachit’s bravery and dedication. Just as he once stood unwaveringly to protect his land, we must now all stand to protect our city’s legacy — the trees that have silently upheld and nourished Guwahati for generations, and all such symbols!
Let his courage inspire us, reminding us that we have the power to make a difference when we act with conviction. This isn’t just about saving trees; it’s about preserving the soul of our city. It’s about honoring those who came before us and respecting the gift of heritage they left in our care. This cannot merely be a campaign; it should be a testament to our love for our Mother, Nature herself.
So let’s not falter; let’s not allow this momentum to fade. Let’s be the guardians that Guwahati’s children can look up to. Together, let us defend our ‘Mother’ with all that we have, knowing that the path we tread today will be the path our children walk tomorrow.