In India, on 11th September, people celebrate National Forest Martyrs Day. This is to recall the events when many individuals across various far-off spaces of our nation forfeited their lives for securing the forest and woods.
Why This day?
It was not until 2013 when the Ministry of Environment and Forest reported formally that National Forest Martyrs Day was noticed.
From that point forward the 11th of September is set apart with different occasions and projects. This day is especially honoring the boldness and bravery of individuals who represented the security of the forest.
As the National Forest Martyrs Day 2021 is here, let’s discover a few facts like history and necessity about this extraordinary day.
History of National Forest Martyrs Day :
National Forest Martyrs Day was first seen in 2013 after the Ministry of Environment and Forest reported this occasion all through India. There is an awful tale concerning why such a day is noticed at this point.
In the year 1730, during the reign of Maharaja Abhay Singh in Rajasthan, it was requested to chop down the Khejarli trees. In any case, individuals of Bishnoi people group dwelling at the town believed this tree to be holy and was against cleaving them down,
At the point when the multitude of Maharaja Abhay Singh started to shedding down the trees, a bold and gallant lady named Amrita Devi took a stand against it. As valiant a lady she was, she apparently advised them to guillotine herself instead of the Khejarli trees and screamed to lead people to do it, saying, “Chipko”.
Tragically, the Maharaja’s men cruelly beheaded her followed by 359 others. This was before this ghastly news arrived at the ears of the Maharaja.
When the Maharaja got to know this, he immediately ordered to stop cutting trees. He promptly apologized to the Bishnoi people group and commended them for their fearlessness and bravery.
Additionally, he gave an announcement restricting any further cutting of the holy Khejarli trees and hunting of the natural life in and around the Bishnoi town.
This slaughter that occurred on September 11, 1730, was the underlying driver for the presentation of National Forest Martyrs Day in 2013. Additionally, the Chipko Movement that started later in the twentieth century was likewise propelled by this daring demonstration of individuals of the Bishnoi people group.
Some renowned People who literally tried to spread awareness to save trees:
Salim Ali
Sunderlal Bahuguna
Vanda Shiva
Almitra Patel
Licypriya Kangujam
