Haritholsavam – 2024
As part of our 7th year of operation, this year, we organized “Haritholsavam” on 24th July 2024. The highlights include inauguration of one new theme garden ‘Sthree Shakthi’ – plants for women health which infact is the 41st theme in our gardens. The inauguration of this garden was by planting by the Chief guest Dr. A. N. Rao who planted a sapling of Saraca asoca and important ayurvedic medicinal plant that was also categorised as endangered by IUCN. The event was attended by faculty and students of Ahalia education institutes and hospitals. Apart from this, there were other programmes well attended by students, research scholars, college faculty, farmers, scientists etc. Dr. A. N. Rao (Padmasree Awardee – 2023 and former director of Centre for Orchid Gene Conservation of Eastern Himalayan region was the chief guest of the event. Mr. Sabik. S, Botanist of Green Ahalia briefed about the activities and programmes of Green Ahalia during the year 2023- 24.
Ms. Sreya Gopal (Manging Trustee, Ahalia International Foundation), Prof. Parwathi Warrior (President, OISCA South Indian chapter), Prof. (Dr.) Sheeba Sunil (Principal, Ahalia Ayurveda Medical College Hospital (AAMCH), Dr. K. K. Seethalakshmi (Former Scientist, KFRI), Dr. Suresh(CMD Ahalia Diabetes Hospital),Dr. Jagadesh (Principal, Ahalia School of Commerce and Mathematics), Botany students from Govt. Victoria College Palakkad, students and staffs of Ahalia institutes also participated in the programme. Green Ahalia along with Ahalia events team had organised several competitions on the theme “People, plants and land restoration – A Palakkad scenario” which include essay competition, poster competition and mobile photography competition which was well received. The other highlight of the programme was the release of Green Ahalia publications -annual report 2023-24 and Information bulletin-2: Sanketham by the guests. Another significant aspect was honouring Mr. Salim Pichan of MSSRF, Wayanad who is an very popular environmentalist whom we bestowed the Green Ahalia, Green Warrior Award 2024. In addition, there was distribution of several awards and prizes to the competition winners as part of competitions conducted as part of Haritholsavam – 2024.
Further, Dr. A. N. Rao presented the Key note lecture entitled “Orchids in India cultivation and conservation – with a focus on medicinal orchids” in India. The lecture was an exhaustive account of different aspects of the resource and utilisation.which was very informative. On completion of the talk Dr. Haridasan Green Ahalia consultant honoured Dr. A. N. Rao as token of love and appreciation.The programme culminated with a dance drama by the students from Ahalia Public School relating to environmental conservation and community action which was well appreciated by everyone present in the programme.
At the event site an exhibition of plants was arranged which was part of Assistance to Botanical Garden (ABG) project on threatened plants, as a means to create awareness among the visitors. It also highlighted, medicinal plants suitable for cultivating in Palakkad district at different agroclimatic zones, Cactii and Succulents, orchids and other horticulture resources. School Herbal Garden Package and primary health care plants was an attraction in this event. A small take away counter of medicinal plants was also arranged as part of the exhibition. After the indoor events Green Ahalia organised a field visit to our thematic gardens for the participants.Dr. A. N. Rao planted a sapling of Terminalia arjuna at the “Smrithivatika” to commemorate his visit to Green Ahalia at the close of the day’s function.
