India: The Tree Hugger - MAAC 24FPS Animation Awards 2009

Video

Beginning of the Chipko movement

It is the place where Chipko movement originated in India. It was a Tuesday, black Tuesday in Khejadli. 10th day of the bright fortnight of the month Bhadra (Indian lunar Calendar) in 1730 A.D. Amrita Devi a mother of three daughters viz. Asu, Ratni and Bhagu bai was at home with her daughters. Suddenly, she came to know that many people had descended in their otherwise sleepy village. It was a party of Maharaja Abhay Singh, Ruler of Marwar (Jodhpur) state who wanted to fell green Khejri (Prosopis cineraria) trees to burn lime for the construction of his new palace. Since there was a lot of greenery in the Bishnoi villages even in the middle of Thar Desert, the king ordered his men to get the woods from Khejri trees...

Amrita Devi protested against King's men attempting to cut green trees as it was prohibited in Bishnoi religion. The malevolent feudal party told her that if she wanted the trees to be spared, she should give them money as bribe. She refused to acknowledge this demand and told them that she would consider it as an act of ignominy and insult to her religious faith. She said that she would rather give away her life to save the green trees. It is at that stage she spoke these words:
"Sar sāntey rūkh rahe to bhī sasto jān" (सर सान्टे रूख रहे तो भी सस्तो जाण)

Meaning: If a tree is saved even at the cost of one's head, it's worth it.

Saying these words, she offered her head!...

Source: The Tree Hugger - MAAC 24FPS Animation Awards 2009
Author: Video

Link: Amrita devi - video


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