Participants at Chedema village, who chose to observe World Environment Day differently.
Morung Express News
Kohima | June 5
Observing that trees that are planted to mark World Environment Day are often forgotten afterwards, Chedema village did it differently this year by choosing to care for what was already planted and growing.
A shared community endeavour, the unique plantation drive saw the participation of the Chedema Students Union led by its President, Neisezolie Thevo, students of Government Primary School, Chedema, led by the Principal, Keviheilie Medom, Dr Keneilhoulie Medom Managing Director KOHIMAS Hospital, Sh Harendra kumar (2IC) officiating Commandant 105 along with 04 officer, 6 Sos and 21 ORs, and 30 spirited NSS volunteers from Don Bosco College, Kohima.
“We cared for what was already growing. Before planting new ones, students tended to saplings from past drives, weeding, watering, mulching”, remarked Dr Keneilhoulie Medom Managing Director KOHIMAS Hospital while asserting that, “survival matters more than numbers.”
Also stating that, “we planted for beauty with purpose”, he highlighted that, “hundreds of cosmos flower saplings were transplanted along the village road” even while exuding hope that in 60 days' time, “Chedema road will wear a blanket of pink, white, and orange, a living welcome to every visitor.”
Towards this end, he also thanked the BSF 105 BN BSF, Chedema for not just joining the drive, but also providing refreshments for every student, teacher, and volunteer. “When soldiers, students, and NSS cadets plant together, a community grows”, he said.
He further stated appreciation for the NSS volunteers from Don Bosco College, Kohima for their energy, discipline and participation while expressing that, “from digging pits to carrying water, you showed that college students can lead from the ground.”
Dr Keneilhoulie Medom further affirmed that, “this wasn’t a “photo op”. It was a promise. A promise by the children of Chedema and the youth of Don Bosco to return and water, to watch and wait, until these cosmos bloom” while emphasizing that “the real environment day is not June 5, but every day we choose to come back and care.”
