Udupi: Katpadi in the District witnessed an Independence Day celebration that was not only moving but also uniquely significant for its focus on environmental legacy. The stage was set by the Prachya Sanchayat Samshodhana Kendra researchers, who orchestrated an event that resonated with history, nature, and the spirit of freedom.
In a touching tribute, the researchers from the Prachya Sanchayat Samshodhana Kendra presented a living gift to Pangala Gopalakrishna Nayak, a nonagenarian member of a family deeply entrenched in the tapestry of India’s freedom struggle. A collection of 76 saplings of the revered Srithale tree was handed over to Nayak, who in turn, called upon the next generation to embrace the responsibility of nurturing these saplings into thriving emblems of heritage.
The Pangala family’s roots run deep in the annals of India’s fight for independence, with numerous ancestors having walked alongside luminaries like Mahatma Gandhi. Their commitment to the nation’s freedom echoes through generations.
S. A. Krishnaiah, the researcher at the Prachya Sanchayat Samshodhana Kendra, delved into the profound significance of the saplings. These saplings belong to a heritage palm tree species known for providing palm leaves that serve as an enduring medium for engraving historical narratives. These engraved leaves offer preservation capabilities surpassing modern methods. Krishnaiah cited the remarkable example of the ancient treatise ‘Arthashastra’ by Vishnu Gupta (better known as Chanakya or Kautilya), which has withstood the test of time for over 3500 years within the hallowed halls of the Institute of Oriental Research in Mysuru.
Regrettably, this heritage tree, the guardian of history, stands on the precipice of extinction. To safeguard this living chronicle for posterity, the Kendra orchestrated the symbolic gesture of entrusting the care of these saplings to the hands of the elderly. This gesture occurred on the nation’s Independence Day, infusing the act with profound symbolism.
Amidst the coastal breeze of Karnataka, the event garnered a gathering of kindred spirits, supporters, and members of the Prachya Sanchaya Samshodhana Kendra. Among them were Indrali Jayakara Shetty, Social Activist Sriviswanath Shenai, Sridhara Bhat Kallianpura, and Mrs. Jayakara Shetty, all participants who added their essence to the day’s significance.
Dr. Katapady Sathish, a local physician, pledged unwavering support to the cause. He vowed to champion a people’s movement that would see the saplings firmly rooted in the soil, as a living testament to history, resilience, and the enduring spirit of independence.