If trees were to talk, would they protest against the murder of their kin every day? Some trees at National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) did speak to those who came to them on Sunday, but instead of complaining, they offered love.
‘Conversation with trees’ was part of the tree festival organised by Neralu, an NGO which is mapping trees in the city, on Sunday. An audio file was sent to each participant which guided them to a tree which told the visitors its story.
Peepal, mango and jack fruit were among the trees which spoke intimately to visitors. The trees proudly introduced themselves, spoke of their contribution and promised to offer more. This was preceded by an introductory note which included literature on each tree from great poets Pampa, Magha and Vijayanagara king Krishnadevaraya.
Green activist Janani Eshwar, who wrote the script for the audio along with theatre person Srikanth Rao, said the idea was to help people internalise the truth that whatever man’s cruelty be, trees stand tall and offer love till their end.
Harini Nagendra, who delivered a talk on ‘Bengaluru in the Past, Present and Future,’ said the old settlers of the city realised the importance of coexisting with nature. The situation has changed a lot during the modern times.
“People started getting piped water in 1892 and stopped caring for the tanks and lakes. But the real threat to green cover came after 1990s as rapid urbanisation and industrialisation set in and people lost connection with nature,” she said.
Visitors said the festival offered alternatives to shopping malls during the weekend.
“It was one of the most peaceful experiences ever. Made me really happy,” said Sajida Ayyup.
Published 19 February 2017, 20:17 IST