2-year tree plantation; competition launched
Teaching and non-teaching staff from primary, high school, pre-university, degree, and post-graduate institutions of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Kodagu can take part. The saplings must be planted between June 5 and July 31, 2025. Saplings of fruit-bearing or beneficial species (e.g., Mango, Jackfruit,
Jamun
) should be planted.
Participants must submit a photo or video of the plant's growth every six months. The duration of the competition is two years. On June 5, 2027, the top 10 participants who successfully nurtured the healthiest trees will be honoured and awarded in a special event.
For details, contact: +91 90085 67748 or 91 80501 60414, said a release.
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Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
Mystery of African Mahogany G20 sapling at Delhi's Nehru Park solved — it's a substitute
The tree currently standing at the site marked for Nigeria in the G20 ceremonial plantation spot at Delhi's Nehru Park is a substitute sapling — and not the original African Mahogany — government sources told The Indian Express. According to sources, the original sapling, gifted by Nigeria during India's G20 presidency in 2023, failed after being planted. Following this, sources said, the Jamun, a common Indian species, was temporarily planted to maintain the aesthetics of the ceremonial zone. Sources added that a replacement African Mahogany sapling has now been sourced and is expected to arrive in the national capital shortly. It will be planted at the designated site, replacing the current one. The clarification comes days after a post on social media platform X, by citizen-led handle DelhiTrees, flagged the tree labelled as African Mahogany as resembling a Jamun. The post received over 28 lakh views, prompting questions about how the mismatch occurred and whether due diligence was carried out. The Indian Express on July 31 had reported that officials in the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), which facilitated logistics for the plantation event, said that confirmation of plant species would require expert verification and that they had referred the matter to the Ministry of External Affairs, which had coordinated the drive. The ceremonial plantation, which took place in September 2023, involved planting live saplings received as gifts from G20 member countries and invited international organisations. As per government sources, some of these plants were sent to India by participating countries, while others were locally procured in mutual consultation. The selection of species was made with expert guidance to increase the survivability of saplings in Indian conditions. For plants brought from abroad, sources said, the required quarantine period was completed at the ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) in Pusa, Delhi, before plantation. Following the Summit, the ambassadors and representatives from each country or organisation planted their respective saplings at a designated area in Nehru Park, which had been prepared in advance by horticulture officials. Sources said it was anticipated that some saplings might not survive after being planted in a new climate. To prepare for this, alternate saplings of local Indian varieties, such as mango or jamun, had been identified and kept ready. These were to be used in case of any losses, until the original species could be sourced again. According to the sources, the saplings presented by South Korea and South Africa also did not survive post-plantation. This, they said, was within expected parameters. In such cases, embassies were approached to provide suitable replacements — either from their own country or procured locally with their approval. In the interim, substitute Indian tree saplings were planted to keep the plantation site visually consistent. The South Korean Embassy has already provided a replacement of the original species, and that tree was replanted before the onset of the monsoon, sources said. The South African High Commission is also in the process of securing its replacement sapling, which will be planted once available. The G20 ceremonial plantation featured 17 trees representing participating countries and organisations, selected for their symbolism and environmental significance. These included Olive trees from Turkey, Spain and Italy; Real Yellowwood from South Africa; Silver Tree from South Korea; Date Palm from Egypt and Saudi Arabia; Teak from Indonesia; Camphor Laurel from China; and the Sausage Tree and Red Frangipani from the African Union.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Indian Express
African Mahogany or Jamun: Doubts grow root over Nigeria's G20 Summit present
At the first glance, it isn't easy to spot the African Mahogany, presented by Nigeria during the G20 Summit in Delhi in September 2023, at the Nehru Park. Tucked inside a white mesh enclosure, the sapling is nearly waist-high with pale green, elongated leaves on its slender branches. A small bilingual plaque fixed behind a green fence identifies it as Khaya Senegalensis or African Mahogany, presented by Nigeria. The park itself has been a picture of monsoon calm. The lawns glisten after a light drizzle, neatly trimmed hedges line the walking paths, and several of the 17 ceremonial saplings stand protected in similar netted enclosures. But this particular sapling has now become the subject of scrutiny. On Monday, DelhiTrees, a citizen-run page on X, posted images of the sapling. The post read: 'The so called African Mahogany, planted in Nehru Park during G-20, turned out to be a Jamun.' The post has garnered over 28 lakh views since then as it suggested that a native species was planted amid a diplomatic gesture. Questions sent to the Nigerian High Commission regarding the identity of the tree did not elicit a response at the time of publication. On the claims, a senior horticulture official from the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), who was associated with the G20 plantation drive, told The Indian Express: 'The sapling at the site marked as African Mahogany has been brought to our attention. At this stage, a confirmation (on its identification) is possible only after it is examined by experts.' Officials at the NDMC stressed that their role was limited to logistical support for the event. 'We prepared the space, dug pits, and ensured protection after the planting. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) coordinated the event and provided the saplings,' said the official quoted above. Another NDMC senior official, who pleaded anonymity, expressed caution, 'It is too soon to jump to conclusion. The species could be a native variety…this will be ascertained.' 'The plantation was carried out by embassy teams. If there has been a mismatch, it could be due to a communication issue. We will assist in checking the matter. So far, no other such discrepancies have been reported from that event,' the official said. Sources in the MEA said that the sapling was quarantined and presented by Nigeria. In the case of a mismatch, sources added. the responsibility would lie with the presenting country. 'We have started a probe after coming across the social media post. Documents related to the plants have been rechecked and we are in touch with the NDMC. The verification of the species will be undertaken and completed in a few days,' the source said. All foreign saplings brought for the ceremonial drive were required to clear phytosanitary inspections, in a bid to ensure they are free from pests, and were quarantined for over three months at the ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) in Pusa before plantation. A Delhi-based environmentalist said, 'There is a huge difference between Jamun and African Mahogany. The Jamun tree has simple leaf arrangement and Mahogany has pinnate or compound leaves. There is no resemblance in both the species. It is likely that the officials didn't have the knowledge.' At the 2023 ceremonial drive, saplings symbolised bilateral ties and sustainability: Olive from Turkey, Spain and Italy; Real Yellowwood from South Africa; Silver Tree from South Korea; Date Palm from Egypt and Saudi Arabia; Teak from Indonesia; Camphor Laurel from China; and trees from the African Union, including the Sausage Tree and Red Frangipani. On Tuesday, when The Indian Express did a spot check, even as several saplings were found to be healthy, others showed signs of strain. The leaves of an Arjun tree donated by Canada were visibly perforated by insects. The Gular tree gifted by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), as well as the Apple HR99 variety from the Netherlands were apparently infested. The Sycamore from France, Queen's Crepe Myrtle from the US, and Weeping Willow from the UK are in similar condition. The Teak tree from Indonesia stands visibly bent. While Olive trees, among others, are carefully placed in netted enclosures, Silver Tree from South Korea, despite its cover, had holes chewed into the netting by squirrels.
Hans India
6 days ago
- Hans India
Educators Honoured at ‘Prerana Diwas 2025' in Moodbidri
Moodbidri: The Adhyapaka Bhushana Awards Ceremony – Prerana Diwas 2025, hosted by the Karnataka Rajya Mahavidyalaya Shikshak Sangh (Mangaluru Division), was held at Alva's V.S. Acharya Auditorium in Moodbidri on Saturday, recognising outstanding educators and academic leaders from across the region. Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, who felicitated the awardees, underscored the vital role of teachers in nation-building. 'Teachers are torchbearers of knowledge and values. Like a lamp that dispels darkness, educators guide generations toward enlightenment,' he said, recalling the contributions of Chanakya and Dr S. Radhakrishnan. He called for a value-based, student-centric education system that blends technological progress with ethical foundations. In his keynote address, Hosa Digantha CEO Prakash P.S. emphasised the cultural core of Indian education and urged for greater introspection on whether the current system upholds values like truth, discipline, and non-violence. Lifetime Achievement Awards were conferred on Dr H.S. Ballal, Pro-Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, and Dr Ananthakrishna Bhat, founder of the Saraswati Group of Institutions, Meghalaya, for their service to education and public life. The ceremony also honoured educators in various categories: Best Academic Administrators: Dr Kurian (Alva's College), Dr Premalatha V. (Canara College) Best Researchers: Prof. Harish Joshi (MAHE), Dr Shantharam Rai C. (A.J. Institute) Best Teachers: Dr Subhashini Srivatsa (Mangalore University), Dr Rajendra P. (Ajjarkad College) Best Librarians: Prof. Vijayalatha (Madikeri), Yashodha (Kaup) Best Physical Education Teachers: Dr Radhakrishna (Belthangady), Tammayya (Virajpet) Research scholars awarded Ph.D.s in 2025 were also felicitated. MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta, MLA Umanath Kotian, Mangalore University Vice Chancellor Dr P.L. Dharma, and Alva's Foundation Chair Dr M. Mohan Alva were among the dignitaries present.
