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The People Who Hugged the Tree


Amrita Devi, centuries ago inspired an entire community to protect their trees. Amrita lived in a mud village on the edge of a forest and each day she ran to her favorite tree and threw her arms around it. She knew the importance of trees in her life; they provided shade from the desert sun, buffered them from great desert storms, and helped them find sources of water. She grew up loving this particular tree, often daydreaming while sitting in its shade, and after she married she continued to visit this tree with her family. One day the mighty Maharajah sent his soldiers into the forests to cut trees for his new fortress. When Amrita heard the soldiers in the forrest she ran to them begging them not to cut down the trees. To no avail! Soon the sound of crashing trees could be heard. Amrita saw her own tree come crashing down! She kneeled and hugged the dying tree. The people of the village heard the soldiers chopping away at the trees and they ran from their homes to the forest and stood by the trees forcing the soldiers to leave in disgust. Word was sent to the Maharajah; he was furious! He gathered his entourage and headed for the village where he met the villagers gathered at the well. He demanded that the soldiers again begin to cut down the trees. The people begged the Maharajah to leave the trees, but their pleas were ignored. The people ran to hug the trees as the soldiers began to chop again. Suddenly a storm came whipping across the desert in its fullest force. After the storm passed the Maharajah saw the damage that had been done to the houses and the fields. Now he understood the importance of the trees to the villagers. He told the villagers he admired their courage and promised them that their trees would not be cut. The villagers rejoiced. The place of Amrita's tree became a special place so the people would never forget the tree's sacrifice. Some believe that even today Amrita comes to visit the spot of her special tree.

*The Indian government named the first National environment Memorial for the village of Rajasthani.