77 years old Yose Chaya takes part in the mass fruit tree plantation drive at Viswema village on May 3. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | May 3
Exhibiting the true values of being a Christian on which the foundation and principles of Christianity is based upon ‘to work humbly with others for the common good and to serve the people,’ the citizens of Viswema village under Kohima district came together to plant fruit trees.
Irrespective of denominations, the villagers conglomerated at St Joseph Higher Secondary School ground, Viswema village to kick start the mass fruit tree plantation drive on the theme ‘Lo-The-Wu’ meaning, “To plant-to grow-to bear fruits” on May 3 morning.
The theme song written and composed by Keneikrul Noswe, Convenor, Environment and Beautification Committee was performed to mark the day.
Organised by the Viswema Baptist Church in preparation of celebrating 100 years of Christianity in Viswema in 2028 on the theme ‘waiting upon the Lord’, it envisaged to plant 7000 local fruit trees in and around the village. Neichute Doulo, Director Entrepreneurs Associate also donated an additional 1000 tree tomato (tamarillo) from Khonoma village.
The plantation drive saw the participation of members from Baptist church, Christian Revival Church, Catholic Church and non-theistic, and village authority comprising of youth, students and women bodies.
‘Planting trees is giving back’
Speaking on the inaugural programme as the special, Rev Dr Atsi Dolie, Executive Director, Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC) said, “This is a very good beginning for the celebration of 100 years of Christianity.”
“Our God is a giving God, and planting trees is giving back to the earth and its people,” said Dolie and hoped that these trees will bear fruits and added more beautify to God’s creation of this beautiful world and its people.
Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho, General Secretary, NBCC as guest of honour maintained that it is important for every person to enhance, nurture and protect the nature by planting trees. Lauding the Viswema Baptist Church for this initiative, he was optimistic that in some few years time, the people will harvest the fruits, besides beautifying the village and a resting shade for birds and people alike.
Celebrating ‘Christ in Viswema’
“Our intention is not denominations but ‘Christ in Viswema’ as we want to celebrate with all denomination and non Christians too,” said Dr Hovithal Sothu, Convenor, Centenary Planning Committee speaking on the sideline of the programme.
Briefly explaining why the plantation drive was conceptualised, he said “knowing well where lots of fruit trees and normal trees are being cut down for domestic use, we decided to make a change by planting local fruit trees.”
In preparative of the plantation drive, Sothu said they have started their own nurseries in 2021 with seven varieties of local fruit trees. As local fruit trees are fast disappearing, he said they collected seeds from various places.
He went on to mention that benefits of planting fruit trees which not only rejuvenate nature but also the prospects of improving the economy of the people.
Plant today, harvest tomorrow
Sothu also remarked that its intention is ‘whatever we plant today should be able to grow and bear fruits.’
Observing that many a times, plants just withered away after a plantation drive due to lack of care, Sothu said, all the plants that are planted will be taken care of henceforth. New fruit trees will be replanted if the tree died or withered away.
The fruit trees will be planted on all the circular roads of the village, and the remaining will be planted in the gardens of each household, informed Sothu and added that in the coming days lots of beautification drive will be carried out decorative plants and flowers.
It was informed that the protection barricades made of iron and meshed wires were donated by individuals from the village and other places too, which cost about Rs 600 per piece.
Interestingly, 77 years old Yose Chaya, who is also the advisor of Nagaland Indigenous Faith Council participating in the plantation drive, said “today I am planting this wild apple tree with the hope of harvesting the fruits after some few years.”
Before planting the tree in a designated place with his name plate, Chaya sought the blessings of nature to take care of the tree and bear healthy fruits.
