On the banks of Sitakund Ghat in Sultanpur, an extraordinary scene unfolded when youths, led by environmental activist and Vande Bharat pedestrian Ashutosh Pandey along with Raghavendra Singh, organized the antim sanskar (last rites) of trees that were recently cut down.
To pay tribute, 11 youths collectively shaved their heads (mundan)- a symbolic act usually performed during human funerals- sending a strong message that trees, too, deserve dignity in death. Residents and social organizations joined hands in the ceremony, treating the fallen trees as revered beings rather than mere timber.
Ashutosh Pandey and his colleagues, who have long been fighting to protect trees, were even fined ₹151 for their protest. Yet, their determination has only grown stronger. Now, on September 19 at 10 am, the terahvi (thirteenth-day ritual) of the cut trees will be performed, where 1,000 saplings will be planted in their memory- an initiative believed to be the first of its kind in the world.
Nearly 200 youngsters pledged not only to plant trees but also to protect them in the years to come. Those who participated in the mundan program included Raghvendra Singh, Vikas Kashyap, Deepak Maurya, Amit Gupta, Kunwar Bahadur Singh, Vibhum Shrivastav, Golu, and Devendra, alongside Pandey.
Ashutosh Pandey, who has already traveled across 21 states spreading awareness about environmental issues, gave a powerful message:
“We only have 3 years and 320 days. If the youth do not rise now and people remain unaware, the environment will reach a point of crisis, especially for our farmer brothers. Development must happen, but it must be sustainable.”
This emotional yet revolutionary tribute has set a new example of how cultural traditions can be woven with environmental consciousness, inspiring many to rethink their relationship with Mother Earth.
