EcoSikh uses spiritual values to address green challenges

Hyderabad: Did you know about the organisation, EcoSikh, working to protect the environment? The members of EcoSikh are planting small forests called Guru Nanak Sacred Forests in different parts of India, including Punjab. So far, they have planted 303 micro forests, home to over 1,67,000 healthy wild trees.

These forests are special because they help protect rare and endangered plant and tree species. EcoSikh has done the research and received advice from experts to carefully select these species. Their goal is to ensure that these important species are conserved for the future.

What’s interesting is that these Guru Nanak Sacred Forests are made using only natural materials, without any harmful chemicals. Most of the trees in these forests survive and grow well, with a survival rate of over 95%. As a result, many birds, insects, and small animals are attracted to these forests where they find a safe place to live.

The idea behind these forests comes from the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of the Sikh tradition, who emphasised the importance of the environment with the sloka, “Pavan Guru Pani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat,” symbolising air as the guru, water as the father, and the earth as the great mother. With this spiritual foundation, EcoSikh’s mission is to connect Sikh values, beliefs, and institutions to address pressing environmental challenges and ensure environmental stewardship remains an integral part of Sikh life.

Sikh Environment Day

Started in 2010 by EcoSikh, Sikh Environment Day is celebrated on March 14 every year to honour Guru Har Rai, the seventh Sikh Guru who loved nature and wanted to protect it. Sikh Environment Day aims to raise awareness about the environment. Many schools, colleges, and organisations take part in activities like planting trees, cleaning up their surroundings, and learning about the environment.

Through Sikh Environment Day, EcoSikh hopes to teach people of all ages and backgrounds about the importance of taking care of our environment. They believe that the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the earth we live on are all precious and should be treated with respect.