Green tribute to Gandhiji, Sheikh Zayed in Dubai

Sunil Umrao Singh, Vipul, Dr Abdulla Al Karam and Ashok Kumar, CEO of the IHS, during the planting of 250 saplings to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the Year of Zayed at Indian High School in Dubai. - Photo by Mohammad Mustafa Khan

Marking the 150th birth anniversary of Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, as well as celebrating the Year of Zayed, the Indian High School (Oud Maitha), along with Indian Consulate and Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), paid a green tribute to the legendary leaders of both the countries.
The Indian High School (IHS) students and dignitaries including Vipul, Consul-General of India to the UAE; Dr Abdulla Al Karam, director-general of the KHDA; and Sunil Umrao Singh, chairman of the IHS, planted 250 saplings in the school grounds. Of the 250 saplings, 100 were planted in the name of the founding father of UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, marking his centennial birth anniversary while the rest of the saplings were planted for Mahatma Gandhi, celebrating his birthday on October 2, which is marked as the UN International Day of Non-Violence.
Students from around 20 other schools also participated in planting the saplings. As part of the celebrations, Vipul, Dr Abdulla Al Karam and Sunil Umrao Singh toured the school's urban forest corridor and planted one sapling each on their names. Symbolically, they also released 250 balloons (100 in the colours of UAE flag and 150 in the colours of the Indian flag) and six doves (sign of peace) as part of the celebrations.
The green initiative is an extension of the school's green project called urban forest that was launched last year on the school premises in a bid to reduce carbon footprint and revitalise the environment for students.
The school's Forest Bathing corridor spans an area of 30,000 square feet, and the 1-km long green sanctuary is divided into six zones - Ghaf Avenue, Madhuban, Green Heart, Enchanted Forest, Pluck, and Sophrology SenTer.
Students then ushered the dignitaries in the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium by singing the national anthems of both India and the UAE.
Welcoming the guests, Singh said: "We are gathered here to give a tribute to two great leaders of the world, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan and Gandhiji, for their efforts have influenced not only their countries but the whole world."
Talking about the idea of planting saplings, Singh said: "This is because both these leaders loved nature and were great environmentalists. Sheikh Zayed's efforts turned the desert green, while Gandhi was known for his love for the environment."
Dr Karam said: "Both these great leaders we are celebrating today lived in their countries in times of great change and growth and both are known for their great work and humility. They valued their roots. Sheikh Zayed lived a very modest life and loved watching the sun set while sitting in the desert. On similar lines, I remember an incident of Gandhiji where a man asked him while on a train, 'why do you always travel third class and Gandhi answered because there is no fourth class'. As we continue to grow and rise, we will never forget our values and our roots and the lesson taught to us by our leaders."
Vipul said: "We remember our iconic leaders Gandhiji and Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan not only for what they did for our countries but also for what they taught us about environment and sustainability. Back home in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is holding first assembly of International Solar Alliance, which  shows India's great commitment to sustainability. This shows how countries together can work for building a better earth, a better future for all our generations.
"Apart from sustainability, there is much that can be said about teachings of Gandhiji and how we Indians are much indebted to him for getting us our independence. He fought against racial discrimination, apartheid, slavery and colonialism. And he fought all this not using violence but truth and non-violence.
"Similarly, Sheikh Zayed worked for tolerance, peace and progress and this can be witnessed best here in the UAE where so many nationalities live and work together in harmony and peace. This celebration here at the IHS, dedicated to both our leaders, is a testament of friendship between India and the UAE. We all have the responsibility to nurture and cherish this relationship and take it forward and imbibe values given by these towering leaders of our countries."
saman@khaleejtimes.com