'Tree for Harmony' campaign, 2014 'Tree for Harmony' campaign, an initiative of Mission Bhartiyam, started in the year 2012, wherein the organization invites collaborations from other organizations to observe a week long campaign (from World Ozone Layer Protection day 16 Sep to World Peace day 21 Sep) every year, with the theme of Environment and Peace. During the week, all organizations plant a tree, to symbolize it with the objective of harmony. In their first and second year, Mission Bhartiyam collaborated and organized it in Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh and received a great response from other organizations of other countries. Now, in the third year organizations of other countries also collaborated and together they organized and observed it in seven countries. During this year of campaign, many events were held including drawing, talk, tree plantation etc on the theme of environment & peace, and therefore address the twin challenges together. Bangladesh In Bangladesh, DREAM ON observed 'Tree for Harmony' initiative. DREAM ON is a nonprofit organization & global network based on Bangladesh who believes on the power of dream. They celebrated this in Chan Mia Housing, Mohammadpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh. They planted the Harmony Tree and conducted a discussion on environment and environmental initiatives being taken at their office premises. Cameroon Tree for Harmony campaign in Cameroon (Source: TFH) In Cameroon, Association for Commmunity Awareness (ASCOA), who actively work in the field of Peace and Human Rights, organized Tree for Harmony in two schools Government Secondary School Liongo-Buea and Holy Child Bilingual Comprehensive college Bomaka-Buea. In both the schools, they planted the symbolic Harmony tree and communicated the concept. Along with the tree plantation, they organized talks on environment & peace and also a painting competition. In the talk they told the students about the contemporary environmental problems, briefed them about
the climate change and the need for the protection of ozone layer. The students were told about the ways in which they can contribute to save the environment by planting and protecting trees. They were also guided on tree plantation. They were told not to plant trees like the eucalyptus because it destroys the soil. In the talk on peace, they talked about the need for peace building around the world, our communities and within ourselves. The reasons for the conflict as well as the ways to resolve it were also communicated. A drawing and painting competition on environment was also organized in both the schools. India In Delhi, Mission Bhartiyam organized its 'aman chaupal' session for Indo-Pak peace wherein someone from Pakistan interacted with students, at AAM Foundation centres. After the session, a harmony tree was planted in both the centres. AAM Foundation is an NGO that provides free english classes. In addition to enabling students to learn English, they also help students to develop critical thinking, become self-reliant and develop self-confidence and to develop a sense of community. In Gurgaon, Aravindam Foundation is an NGO active in the fields of education and environment - the fundamentals of sustainable growth and development.the Gurukul Kalpataru established and managed by Fundacja Aravindam organised a musical afternoon with Tree for Harmony, 2014 in Gurgaon (Source: its children in celebration of the 'Tree for TFH) harmony' week. The Gurukul children planted a Belpatra sapling in their temple complex situated in the Kamdhenudham Gaushala, Carterpuri, In Dehradun, Purkal Youth Development Society (PYDS) observed tree for harmony. PYDS is a registered charity organisation dedicated to enhancing the lives of disadvantaged rural youth through education and empowering women through skill development. They celebrated Tree For Harmony with the children of PYDS school. In India, many organizations and individuals supported and observed the campaign. At many places, volunteers of Mission Bhartiyam observed the campaign by planting a harmony tree at their home or workplace.
Nepal Tree for Harmony, 2014 in Nepal (Source: TFH) In Nepal, Human Action for Peace, Prosperity and Sustainable Development (HAPPS) observed Tree for Harmony. HAPPS is a non-profit organization working in the field of education, youth empowerment, youth issues, environment, etc. HAPPS had organized this at Durbar High School, Ranipokhari in Kathmandu. The event was organized in four sessions: Inauguration of event by planting about 25 trees in barren ground of school premises. Discussion and posters/pamphlets displaying Awareness through songs/music National folk singers sang songs carrying awareness regarding need of peace/harmony/brotherhood and healthy environment in our society) Pakistan In Pakistan, Youth Association Organisation for Development (YAD), a Pakistan-based NGO working in the fields of Peace and Human Rights observed Tree for Harmony in Quetta district in Balochistan Province. They organised a discussion on peace and dedicated it to Indo-Pak peace. They also talked about the relevance for Indo-Pak peace and the initiatives being taken in this regard. Tree for Harmony, 2014 in Pakistan Sudan In Sudan, Peace Bridge Association, which is devoted to reduce tension and conflicts amongst Sudanese communities through promotion of situations of youth and children in difficult circumstances, by introducing the sustainable solutions of empowerment, capacity building and support in the main sectors of Peace building, Street children and Human Rights, organized Tree for Harmony initiative in Alkiriab basic school. They planted the symbolic Harmony Tree and
explained its relevance. Alongwith the tree plantation, they organized discussions on environment and peace. Peace Bridge Association plans to visit the school every two months and see how the trees are growing and to continue to give awareness about the need for peace. Sri Lanka Tree for Harmony, 2014 in Sri Lanka (Source: TFH) Sri Lanka United Nations Friendship Organisation (SUNFO) observed Tree for Harmony. SUNFO is a non political, non-racial and non-sectarian organization that seeks to unite all peoples into a movement working for the wellbeing, harmony and peace of mankind according to the principles of the United Nations. SUNFO planted the symbolic harmony tree, and aslo organized a talk to disseminate the relevance of the cause. Concept of Tree for Harmony A war cannot achieve what peace can. The forces of peace can rule over ignorance and superstition, over illiteracy, over disease and physical suffering, over poverty and oppression. The conquests of peace are nonviolent and bloodless. They cause no grief to humanity and do not damage life or property. War causes streams of blood and untold havoc. The victory of peace leaves no maimed limbs or mutilated bodies, no ruined cities or scorched fields. Like peace, brotherhood can do wonders. Instead of walking alone, if we have a companion, the journey becomes easier. We don t have to struggle alone. We aim for this. We want to initiate friendship, brotherhood and peace in the entire world. And for this, we turn to our evergreen friends trees. What can be more symbolic of these values than a tree? A tree grows freely, digs its roots deeply and also gives life to other trees. It is a symbol of stability, growth and prosperity. A tree also grows freely, without any discrimination. And this is the message that we want to send. Like trees, we should do away with barriers of caste, religion, ethnicity and others boundaries. Like trees, we should grow together. For this, Mission Bhartiyam, an India-based organisation, has initiated 'Tree for harmony', which is celebrated between 16th September (World Ozone Day) and 21st September (World Peace Day). Under Tree for Harmony(TFH), we plant a symbolic tree labeled as "Harmony Tree" and try to disseminate the concept and message for a healthy environment and society through a discussion, painting, essay programme or any
other relevant awareness programme. TFH is observed by creating a network. Mission Bhartiyam observes TFH by collaborating with different organisations around the world. TFH seeks to make people aware and sensitive about the need for a sustainable environment and a peaceful society. The report of 'Tree for Harmony' will be submitted to the Environment Minister of India and to the embassies of all the participating countries.