Vadavannur's dual tribute to freedom and legacy

The Hindu

3 hours ago

As India celebrated its 79th Independence Day on Friday, a place named Vaidyasala at Vadavannur near Kollengode in the district marked a special occasion. The people of Vadavannur Vaidyasala came together to celebrate not one, but two birthdays: that of India and a majestic banyan tree planted on the midnight of August 15, 1947.
Under the banner of the Vaidyasala Arayal Samrakshana Samiti, a group of patriots led by P. Gopinatha Menon aka Santhakumar marked the dual celebration by blending national pride with local heritage.
'It is a rare privilege to celebrate India's freedom alongside this reverred tree's timeless legacy,' said Mr. Menon. 'I know of no other place in India where the nation's birthday is celebrated alongside a tree's, making this a truly unique tribute.'
It was Vadakkepattu Narayanan Nair, a reputed Sanskrit scholar and Ayurveda physician, who planted the banyan tree at Vaidyasala near Vadavannur post office at the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947. 'His gesture stood the test of time and remains a testament to his remarkable foresight,' said Mr. Menon.
To safeguard the historic banyan tree, the Vaidyasala Arayal Samrakshana Samiti approached the Vadavannur panchayat with a request to construct a protective base. Panchayat president Zakeer Hussain promptly honoured the request and built a sturdy foundation around the tree.
Taking the initiative a step further, Narayanan Nair's son, veteran lawyer Madhusudhanan Nair, paved the foundation with tiles. He helped to transform the spot into a serene one where people can relax, breathe in the tree's fresh oxygen and appreciate the legacy of a giant freedom tree.
Mr. Nair kicked off the celebrations by lighting a lamp. Mr. Husain hoisted the Tricolour. Apart from the usual freedom speeches, they also handed out sweets and made a promise to go big on the 80th Independence Day bash next year.
Vadavannur village wears another feather in its cap: it is the native land of Tamil cinema icon and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran.
For the past decade, the residents of Vaidyasala have been paying homage to the banyan tree and celebrating its significance. 'It is a constant source of inspiration for us,' said Mr. Menon.