In a first of its kind event to work towards
protecting environment, hundreds of people from Nagaland’s Kohima joined a race
to support reforestation under its flagship programme Trees for Wealth and the
Entrepreneurs Associates (tEA) Run to Reforest or R2 run.
The race which commenced at High School Junction via
Secretariat concluded at IG stadium.
As per the tEA, a footfall of over 500 enthusiastic
participants, volunteers, and supporters, and runners from other States joined
the competition.
The run was officially flagged off by Er Lanu Toy, a
distinguished 97-year-old Naga elder and Technocrat at High School Junction at
6 am, with runners registering from 4.30 am onwards.
tEA Executive Director Neikule Doulo emphasised how
Nagas have been good keepers of the environment in the past and how scientific
environmental practices such as pollarding in rural areas even reflect
community knowledge and wisdom.
Advocating that Nagas must learn from their heritage,
she encouraged the students and participants to learn from the past into the
future.
Speaking on the significance of the R2 Run, tEA CEO
Neichute Doulo expressed, “Over the years, I have realised that fruit trees can
be a wonderful programme to not only develop sustainable livelihood and fight
climate change but to also give confidence to our people.”
He further elaborated on the ultimate objective of the
Trees for Wealth to plant one billion fruit trees and 2 billion non-fruit trees
by 2050.
Appealing to the participants to back the cause, he
added the tree plantation exercise does not just positively impact climate
change but also will trigger a trillion rupees economy in the future, through
the promotion of ancillary activities.
The TfW has so far planted 7 lakh fruit trees with the
support of patrons, well-wishers and CSRs, the CEO informed while stating that
TfW is a very definite illustration of what can be achieved through collective
community participation.
Er Lanu Toy spoke on the significance of propagating
trees and how the R2 Run will serve as a source of great encouragement for
everyone to do the same.
He added as the former Chief Electrical Engineer of
Nagaland and in multiple other capacities, he always initiated tree plantations
in all project areas to nurture the environment.
General Physician and former MLA Dr Dietho-o Yhoshu described
the R2 Run as a “creative and imaginative community event” and further
addressed the requirement to nurture a green environment to enhance the quality
of life.
Social Analyst Neiketu Iralu began his keynote address
by applauding tEA for always nurturing innovation and deeply inspiring doable
initiatives that are inclusive.
He addressed the young and old to be united through
this event and marked the R2 Run as the beginning of healing for our homeland.
In his words, “We are a part of the Lung of Mankind. We should take care of
that Lung.”
The ceremony continued with the prize distribution to
the winners stemming from 4 different categories. Under the Professional
category, Wede T Mero, Nokching Chang, and Shiangjiu T Khiamniugan finished in
1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions, respectively.
In the College category, Kelengoto Kulnu, Shosu
Pohena, and Chunchanglungbou Newmai finished in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions,
respectively. As for the School category, Kughaho Swu, Thejangulie Sote, and
Thejanguzo Pfukha finished in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions, respectively.
Lastly, for the students below 12 years, Lutu,
Thejasesi Soukhrie, and Pelevotuo Zumu finished in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions,
respectively. Every participant of the R2 Run was awarded a certificate for
their participation with the winners in all categories receiving cash prizes.
NE Watch Desk
