Curiosity

From time immemorial in ancient India the relationship between people and the environment has been one of harmony, coexistence, mutual care and concern; the two supporting and complementing each other in their own way.

Indian civilisation has always been a nature friendly and nature inclusive civilisation intertwining the culture and traditions. The worship and reverence offered to various elements of nature like the earth, rivers, mountains, trees and various animals were and are ways of consciously protecting and conserving our environment, flora and fauna.\

India is also a nation of diverse ethnic communities living in varied landscapes which have thrived well through ages, with our varied social structures evolving with need and time. The requirement, knowledge, understanding and management of nature has been passed down generations through traditions and religious activities based on regulations of natural resources. Maintenance and preservation of water bodies, protection and respect of animal wealth and developing sacred groves of plants of medicinal, economic and environmental values have been an integral part of village and city settlements.

Today with concerns of environment protection looming large on the horizon lets delve into the explanations and values of our rich traditions and culture; recognise their uniqueness; collectively and scientifically uphold the consciousness for eco-conservation in the present age.

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful forest. Two brother trees named Chintu and Pintu, lived in that forest, along with many other friendly trees, plants and climbers. Chintu and Pintu had many animal friends like the rabbit and his brothers, a group of monkeys, a family of birds, the Bunky bear and the wise old wolf.

One fine day, all the tree and animal friends were chatting and enjoying the weather. Suddenly Pintu saw a woodcutter coming toward them. Pintu said "Hey look a woodcutter is coming towards us. Run! Run! Save yourself!" Chintu said to the animals. But no one ran. They said "Friend! you give us food and shelter, you give us fresh air to breathe. How can we leave you in danger and go?" Chintu and Pintu thanked them for their consideration and said, "OK you all hide behind us" said the two brother trees. So, the monkeys and the birds hid inside the leaves of the tree and the other animals hid behind the tree.

When the woodcutter reached close to them, he was very confused because there were so many trees and he was unable to decide which one to cut first. Suddenly he saw Chintu and Pintu, the huge trees and said "Be ready to be cut you trees." The wise old wolf had already told his plan to the other animals. As soon as the woodcutter came near the trees, the group of monkeys jumped on him and the family of birds started pecking at him. The rabbit and his brothers started jumping around him to divert his attention and the Bunkey bear started roaring to scare him away.

When all animals were busy at their work, the wise old wolf ran to the lion king to help save the trees. The lion king quickly reached the spot with the wolf. He roared and chased the woodcutter who ran away for his life. Chintu and Pintu said "thank you" to all their friends for saving their life.

Later the woodcutter thought "I never thought that trees give animals so many things like food, shelter etc and share so much of love and bonding between them," and decided never to cut trees.