Trees to be planted at university campus to celebrate 150 years of the Mahatma

New York: To celebrate the 150 years of Mahtma Gandhi, the State University of New York, Old Westbury (SUNY-OW), Shanti Fund and the Consulate General of India have entered into an agreement to plant 150 trees representing the States of the United States in the Old Westbury Campus. The garden, dedicated in the memory of Gandhiji is to be called 'Gandhi Peace Garden.'

A variety of trees from flowering to evergreen trees will be planted in September at a befitting peaceful open site within the 600 acres campus of the SUNY-OW. A very high level dignitary from India is likely to inaugurate the ‘Gandhi Peace Garden’ in September.

In the Gandhian spirit and way, we propose to establish the Garden with total people’s participation by adoption of the trees by people in the memory of their loved ones or as a symbol of love and affection--the organizers said.

A suitable tag indicating adopter's name will be placed on or near the tree. Contributions can be made online at www.shantifund.org (Contact Mr. Arvind Vora, President, Shanti Fund: [email protected]; Cell: 917 406 6065 for any clarifications). The last date for adopting the trees is August 15

150 years of the Mahatma is being celebrated worldwide. In the US, several organizations around the country have undertaken many activities and events to remember Gandhiji – his life and works.

Mahatma Gandhi is in several ways also one of the first environmental leaders the world has seen. His word ‘the world has enough for everyone’s need, but not enough for everyone’s greed’ has continued relevance even today. As the world is facing environmental challenges, it is felt that a befitting way to remember the Mahatma is to plant trees in his name.