Memories are that one thing that lasts even after people leave us, they are those beautiful dreamy segments in our loves that leave us with an ache of happiness. These treasured memories are the ones that most of us think of in the form of endearing gifts that we have given or either received. Memories when gifted include shared laughter and they tend to stay with us because they are tangible in nature. However, imagine if you get a living tribute that lasts for generations, not just when you are alive but even after that it stays as the very memory of your spirit. One such way to honour memories and gift our loved ones is by undertaking a memorial tree plantation. Imagine planting a tree in memory of our loved one, isn’t it just a wonderful way to be remembered?
Why We Search for Meaningful Ways to Remember Loved Ones
Remembrance is not just about visiting an old age ashram once in a while on the auspicious days, or just about flowers and annual functions. It is increasingly seen that the loved ones prefer to give living tributes as a memorial.
A memorial tree is a lasting legacy that honors individuals long after they have passed. It creates a living memory that people can experience and connect with through the surrounding nature. Choosing to plant a tree in memory as a tribute shows that remembrance doesn’t have to be about money; it can be about nature, and it can be about offering comfort and strength to loved ones as they heal. This is the reason why living memorials feel more personal than the one time gifts that mark an end, because a living memorial tree symbolises continuation of hope, love and legacy.
What is a Memorial Tree Plantation?
Memorial Tree Plantation is an act of planting one or more trees in someone’s honour and legacy. It is a symbolic meaning that depicts their life journey and the environmental value of such a gesture is also tremendous. The tree grows every day, gives shade, supports wildlife and purifies air.
It also impacts the community as a whole. It becomes an enduring tribute to the environment as it encourages them to make greener choices when they are trying to honour somebody’s legacy and memory. A memorial tree plantation thus becomes a sustainable way to remember someone continuously while it also impacts the environment and the community meaningfully.
How Planting a Tree in Memory keeps Memories Alive?
Planting a tree in memory is a living tribute to the person who has lived his life meaningfully. Unlike physical gifts and monuments, trees continue growing each day and depicts the life journey of that person because a person also keeps on growing every day. It is also a place for reflection. As we remember our loved ones, we would often revisit these planted trees and this creates an emotional connect with the tree. By doing a memorial tree plantation, we shift our focus from grief to gratitude as we are contributing back to nature. We celebrate life instead of loss. So whenever there are birthdays, anniversaries, or special locations, we may go to this tree planted in memory and sit with to seep in the noise and value of life. It also leaves a green legacy behind. Just imagine if each one of us continue planting a tree in memory, then it definitely leaves behind a greener legacy for the future.
The Environmental Impact of Creating a Green Legacy
A memorial tree plantation is definitely a means of revisiting our loved ones. But along with this, there are also quite a lot of environmental benefits tied to planting a tree in memory. It leaves behind a lasting green legacy.
Trees are said to purify air and absorb carbon. This in itself reduces the heat around us and gives us purer, natural air to breathe. It also boosts biodiversity and thus helps to develop a varied wildlife habitat in that region. It cools the urban spaces and builds a sustainable green space for future generations. Such small acts build a green legacy long after the person’s presence.
In addition, trees help to control soil erosion and are a source of food such as flowers, nuts and more that feed the wildlife around. That is why it is important to plant trees in memory as every single memorial tree plantation contributes to a healthier planet and makes for a green legacy.
Why Memorial Tree Plantation is Becoming a Preferred Choice
Opting for a memorial tree plantation is a more sustainable choice instead of just gifting temporary flowers in the memory of your loved ones. This way of honouring the living memory of the person who has left behind a legacy in the world, is a means to feel connected to the person long after they are gone. Not just this, the benefits of planting a tree in memory is that it is future focused as its benefits continue for decades.
Just imagine a child growing alongside the tree that is planted for their grandparents and see what kind of lessons would they learn from the tree even if their grandparents are no longer with them physically. The tree still continues teaching lessons such as growing each day, withstanding the storms and the winds and standing tall despite all the difficulties.
How Sadbhavana Vrudhashram Supports Memorial Tree Plantation
Sadbhavana Vrudhashram undertakes dedicated plantation initiatives to respectfully pay homage and tribute to the loved ones. It also contributes to a greener legacy and encourages community participation. It serves to preserve memories with a purpose of remembrance. Sadbhavana Vrudhashram takes full responsibility for protecting and maintaining the sapling for three years to ensure high survival rates. If one contributes ₹1500 to plant a tree in memory, the nameplate displays both the donor’s name and the organisation’s name. If one wishes to exclusively display the donors or the loved ones name on the name plate, then they may contribute ₹3000 for the same. There is utmost transparency and they provide periodic updates as well as status reports so you get to know the tree’s growth progress. You also receive tax exemption under section 80G for the contributions that you have made.
Ways Families Can Make the Memorial More Meaningful and How it Brings Them Closer
People may choose to pay tribute to the memories of their lover by gathering family members and sharing stories near the memorial tree. They may even write their memories and put them near the trees or visit the place annually to honour the legacy of their loved one. The families can even teach life lessons to their children by talking about their loved ones and celebrate birthdays near the tree. These all could be a part of family tradition wherein they visit the memorial tree plantation site to pay homage to their dear ones.
In such times of remembrance, families often stay connected when they honour their dear one. Choosing a memorial tree plantation allows family members of all ages to participate and keep the cherished memories alive. As the memorial tree grows over the years, it becomes a living symbol of generosity, resilience, love and green legacy that future generations can enjoy and nurture.
A Legacy That Continues To Grow
Each life is precious and each of our dear ones leave an impact on us. Planting a memorial tree in their honour becomes a source of hope and fills us with renewing energies. It is a means towards sustainability, not just of nature but also of emotions.
A memorial tree plantation generally creates a green legacy for the future generations ahead. Planting a tree in memory of our loved ones is a meaningful and an environmentally responsible way to remember them. Having such a quiet space of green legacy that offers shade and comfort to the world symbolises how they lived their lives, providing for others and helping them be comfortable. And it is only wise to pass on such traits and qualities of our loved ones, by planting a tree in their memory.