3rd Tree for Harmony Campaign organised in Seven Countries

In the move to join Environment and Peace together as very important issue in present days, Mission Bhartiyam alongwith other organizations organized 3^rd Tree for Harmony campaign in seven countries, namely India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri lanka, Sudan and Cameroon.   

Tree for Harmony campaign is an initiative of Mission Bhartiyam, started since 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 and 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 and peace and therefore address the twin challenges together.    

Bangladesh

Alongwith Harmony Tree, DREAM ON conducted discussion on Environment

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 had planted the “Harmony Tree” and conducted a discussion on environment and environmental initiatives being taken at their office premises.

Cameroon

Alongwith Harmony Tree, ASCOA organised discussion 

In Cameroon, ASSOCIATION FOR COMMUNITY AWARENESS (ASCOA) had observed Tree for Harmony initiative. ASCOA is a Cameroon-based organisation. They are actively working in the field of Peace and Human Rights.ASCOA had 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 had planted the symbolic Harmony tree and communicated the concept. Along with the tree plantation, they had organized two talks on both environment and peace and a painting competition. In the talk on environment, they told the students about the contemporary environmental problems. They 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 than it protect the environment since it drains a lot.

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

Aman Chaupal session followed by planting of Harmony Tree by Mission Bhartiyam

In Delhi, Mission Bhartiyam organized its aman chaupal session for Indo-Pak peace wherein someone from Pakistan interacts with students. Mission Bhartiyam organized two aman chaupal sessions 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.

Fundacja Aravindam or Aravindam Foundation planted Harmony Tree

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 its children in celebration of the Tree for harmony week. The Gurukul children planted a Belpatra sapling in their temple complex situated in the Kamdhenudham Gaushala, Carterpuri.

Purkal Youth Development Society planted Harmony Tree in their school

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

Alongwith plantation of Harmony Tree, HAPPS organised discussion

In Nepal, Human Action for Peace, Prosperity and Sustainable Development (HAPPS) had observed Tree for Harmony. Human Action for Peace, Prosperity and Sustainable Development (HAPPS) is a non-profit organization working in the field of education, youth empowerment, youth issues, environment, etc.

HAPPS had organized TREE FOR HARMONY:2014 at Durbar High School, Ranipokhari in Kathmandu. The event was organized in four sessions: a) Inauguration of event by planting about 25 trees in barren ground of school premises.  b) Discussion and posters/pamphlets displaying c) Awareness through songs/music (2 National folk singers sang songs carrying awareness regarding need of peace/harmony/brotherhood and healthy environment in our society) 

Pakistan

Youth Association for Development organised a discussion on Indo-Pak Peace

In Pakistan, Youth Association for Development (YAD), a Pakistan-based NGO working in the fields of Peace and Human Rights had observed Tree for Harmony in Quetta district in Balochistan Province. They had organised a discussion on peace. They dedicated it for Indo-Pak peace. They talked about the relevance for Indo-Pak peace and the initiatives being taken in this regard.

Sri Lanka

Alongwith Harmony Tree plantation, SUNFO organised discussion

In Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka United Nations Friendship Organisation (SUNFO) had 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 well- being, harmony and peace of mankind according to the principles of the United Nations. SUNFO had planted the symbolic harmony tree. Alongwith the tree plantation, they had organized a talk to disseminate the relevance of the cause.

Sudan

Alongwith Harmony Tree, Peace Bridge Association organised discussion

In Sudan, Peace Bridge Association organized Tree for Harmony initiative. Peace Bridge Association(PBA) 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. PBA had organized Tree for Harmony in Alkiriab basic school. They had planted the symbolic Harmony Tree and explained its relevance. Alongwith the tree plantation, they had 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.

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". Tree for Harmony(TFH) 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.

So by this event, the twin challenges of environment and the need for peace will be addressed. 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.

Visit Tree for Harmony at: https://www.facebook.com/treeforharmony, https://twitter.com/treeforharmony, www.missionbhartiyam.org 

Tree for Harmony 2014: 16 Sept - 21 Sept

TREE FOR HARMONY - 2014

Tree for Harmony(TFH), an initative of India-based Mission Bhartiyam, aims to address the twin goals of Environment and Peace. Celebrated between 16th September (World Ozone Day) and 21st September (World Peace Day), TFH seeks to make people aware and sensitive about the need for a sustainable environment and a peaceful society. Under Tree for Harmony, we plant a symbolic tree labelled as "Harmony Tree" and try to disseminate the concept and message for a healthy environment and society through different ways. TFH is observed by creating a network. Mission Bhartiyam observes TFH by collaborating with different organisations around the world. 

This is our third year of Tree for Harmony. In our two earlier TFH weeks during last years, we had observed it in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal with the help of organizations there. 

​This year, we are happy that Tree for Harmony will be observed in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sudan, Nigeria, Cameroon and Congo. 

We invite you/your organisation to join us!

How to observe it?

Tree for Harmony can be observed at different levels:

School/College level: Organise it in your or approach a school/college to observe it by planting a tree labeled as “HarmonyTree” and a small discussion/essay/painting programme or any other relevant programme to spread the message for sustainable Environment or/and peaceful society. The discussion and other related programmes are optional but it is essential that you tell the students the importance of this concept.

Organisation Level: Approach an organization to observe it in the above-listed ways. They can observe it in a school, college, in their own workplace or in any public space. 

Individual Level: 

- Plant a tree/plant labelled as "Harmony Tree" in your locality/block/village. Organise a small informal/formal discussion to tell people about the concept and relevance of Indo-Pak Peace. 

- Plant a tree/plant labeled as “Harmony Tree” in your home. 

Please find enclosed the required pamphlet and banner. 

Please send us the photo and report (if you observe it at home, send photo of harmony tree and your message on Indo-Pak peace) by 25^th September 2014. 

Participation of all organisations, schools and individuals will be duly recognised in our press releases and in our report. We will issue a letter of appreciation to all collaborators.

Please let us know if you have any queries. You can mail us or call at +91 8395866668, +91 9958907799, +91 9582129927

Tree for Harmony 2014 - Invitation to all Peace Makers, Organisations

Mission Bhartiyam will be observing ‘Tree For Harmony: 2014’ during 16-21 September. This will be our third year of Tree for Harmony. Earlier it has been observed in the year 2013 and 2012.

​TFH is an initiative by Mission Bhartiyam,where we, along with other organizations observe a week for Environment and Peace.This week starts with 16^th Sep (Int. Ozone Layer Protection Day) and ends with 21^st Sep (Int. Day for Peace).

In our two earlier TFH weeks during last years, we had observed it in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal with the help of organizations there. Many schools and people participated; they showed their concern for Environment and Peace.  Paintings, tree plantations, discussions etc were being done. Other major collaborators in previous years were The Catalyst-Pakistan, The Tree Bangladesh, YFN-Nepal, CMS Lucknow, Paryavaran Jagriti Abhiyan New Delhi, UYASD Orrisa, Al nahian School Bangladesh, Gyan Mandir Public School New Delhi, Sai memorial school New Delhi, India Art & Architecture etc.

Reports of previous years also available at solutions exchange website at: ftp://ftp.solutionexchange.net.in/public/clmt/resource/res_info_11101201.pdf (2012) &

ftp://ftp.solutionexchange.net.in/public/clmt/resource/res_info_07101301.pdf (2013)

With the concept of Tree for Harmony, we say that we all must be like a tree. A tree has quality to ‘give’ (oxygen) equally to everyone without any self motive, it has quality to expand its roots like humanity should, it has quality to grow itself together with growth of stems and leaves, like a society or a country or a region for a collective growth. 

Now, this year again we will be observing the week with the concept of Tree for Harmony. With this campaign every year, we are trying to build a movement of sensitization of people towards Peace and Environment both and how both is the most important requirement of human being but both are degrading and therefore need protection. We, as a people have every possibility to bring the change and we must be aware and to make others aware that we care our environment, our co existence and the peace of within and outside.  

We would like to invite you/your organisation to join hands with us. Below are the proposed activities and timeline. 

Activities that can be done:  Tree plantation, Peace and harmony discussion, Awareness about environment and peace in village, blocks, schools, Message writing, painting, essay etc on Environment and Peace. 

Timeline: 

You can send your name in advance if you will collaborate: latest by: 4th September 
Release of list of all collaborators: 10th September
TFH Week: 16-21 September
Submission of reports and photographs by collaborators: 25 September
Release of compiled report of TFH-2014 : 01st October 

Financial Assistance/ Any other benefit: Please note that presently TFH campaign is neither receiving any fund nor providing any fund for activities. 

Materials: You can use your own banner along with logo of Tree for Harmony and text "Tree for Harmony - 2014 (16-21 September) week". We will also send an email for a draft banner and pamphlet till 3rd September to all confirmed collaborators, however you are free to use your own designed programs and materials. 

Till now confirmed collaborators:

Mahila Margdarshi Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Rural reconstruction Organisation, Orrisa, India

Utkal Youth And Social Development Organisation, Orrisa, India

The Catalyst, Islamabad, Pakistan

DEAP Development Organisation, Chakwal, Punjab, Pakistan

Dharti Development Foundation, Sindh, Pakistan

Zindagi Development Organisation, Pakistan

Shadow Human Development Organisation, Ghotki, Pakistan

Youth Association for Development, Quetta, Pakistan

Kutch Adventures India, Bhuj, India

Sri Lanka-United Nations Friendship Organisation (SUNFO)

*Participation in campaign can be done without providing confirmation and for all such collaborators, their name and report will be included at the time of report compilation. But in all such cases, reports must be submitted as per timeline i.e. 25 September

Please let us know if you have any queries. You can mail us or call at +91 8395866668, +91 9958907799, +91 9582129927

Regards,

Team Mission Bhartiyam

Conclusion of Tree for Harmony and celebration of World Peace Day at India Gate, Delhi

Mission Bhartiyam, A&A, FACT celebrated World Peace Day

In a bid to spread the word of peace, harmony and brotherhood and also awareness about environment, Mission Bhartiyam, A&A (Art and Architecture group) and FACT(Federal Alliances of Creative Talents) had organised a gathering of artists, photographers and musicians, today i.e. 21^st September, in India Gate lawns.

The event involved competitions for painting, sketching, photography and waste material utilization techniques. The themes were environment and peace.

This event was the second gathering of A&A fans in India and had taken place simultaneously in 15 countries. It has to be organized every year to spread awareness about the twin challenges of environment and peace through art.

Prashant Nautiyal, of A&A, remarked that “Art is an effective medium to communicate information to the masses. It is attractive and appeals to anyone.” Rohit Bhardwaj added that “so we used this form to communicate about the twin challenges of environment and peace among the common masses.” 

With this event, FACT, an organisation of young artists, will display their works among the common masses. 

Rajneet Fidato, of FACT, remarked that “this will not only encourage the young talents but it will also make art more effective.”

Paramjeet Singh remarked that “we cannot move ahead without peace and social harmony”.

Harmony Tree at India Gate

With this event, Mission Bhartiyam, an India-based NGO, had also concluded its “Tree for Harmony” event. “Tree for Harmony” event involved planting trees labeled as “harmony trees” to spread the word of peace, harmony and prosperity in South Asia. “Harmony trees” also stood for communal harmony and against discrimination on grounds of caste, class, gender and religion. This event started with the “World Ozone Day” which was on 16^th September and was done in schools, colleges, public places in four countries – India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. 

Aditya Dubey, of Mission Bhartiyam, said that “like trees, which grows freely and in everyone’s house, we should not discriminate against anyone and we should all grow together”. Pankaj Pathak talked about the south asian essence to the event. He remarked, “Without peace with our neighbors, we cannot work for peace and prosperity within our country”.

We had also planted a “harmony tree”. It was planted by eminent poet Kumar Anupam and Satish Mehra, who had been involved with tree plantation for 35 years.

We had organized our event in India Gate lawns because the idea was to spread the message across the common masses and to tell them, what they can do to change the world. We had also distributed pamphlets suggesting simple ways to work for a sustainable environment. Some people had also joined in the effort and participated in the art-based activities related to peace and harmony. 

M.Reza Z. Karfar, an Iranian student in Jamia Miliya Islamiya and a member of A&A concluded with the note that “without peace within our hearts, we cannot talk about world peace”.

Published at:
Two Circles http://twocircles.net/2012sep23/when_young_hearts_beat_fast_peace_and_communal_harmony.html
South Asia Mail
http://www.southasiamail.com/news.php?id=106996

TREE FOR HARMONY 16 SEP (World Ozone Layer Day) - 21 SEP (World Peace Day)

TREE FOR HARMONY 16 SEP (World Ozone Layer Day) - 21 SEP (World Peace Day)

-A South Asian Initiative for Peace, Harmony & Environment

We aim to initiate friendship, brotherhood and peace in the entire South Asia. 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 national boundaries. Like trees, we should grow together. So this event has a national as well as international essence to it.

Mission Bhartiyam proposes "Tree for harmony" event to be held in schools across South Asia. In the event, trees labeled as "harmony trees" will be planted by students. Any other event like a march, a seminar, artistic ways like painting, music etc to spread the word of peace, harmony, brotherhood may also follow/ accompany it. In Delhi (India), Tree for Harmony will be concluded with an event of India Art and Architecture group wherein they will paint to communicate the goals of peace and a harmonious and sustainable environment among the general masses on India Gate. In Bangladesh, a seminar and a human chain/rally will be held in Matamuhuri Degree College. The event will start on 16th September which is also the World Ozone day and will conclude on 21st September which is the World Peace Day. Environment is also a common challenge for all South Asian Countries.

So by this event, the twin challenges of environment and the need for peace will be addressed. By this event, we plan to develop a "South Asian" consciousness.

"Tree for harmony" will be organized in Pakistan under "Aaghaz-e dosti" which is our Indo-Pak initiative and in Nepal under the "Bharat Nepal Paraspar Samvad" which is already in operation.

We invite you/your organization/school to be a part of this drive. We will acknowledge all such partners/supporters who participated in this drive. Please plant trees named as "harmony trees". Any other related event is optional. You can invite local media/persons in your event. Share your experiences , photographs, newsclips etc with us at our email. 

In India, this event is being organised in J&K (Bilal Sultan, Tahir), Orrisa (Sibaprasad Ji), Madhya Pradesh (Ashok Lodi, Rupesh Pandey) & Uttar Pradesh (Raj Shekhar Chandola, Ashutosh, Praveen) and can be extended to all other states as well.

Contact us

Ravi Nitesh(India) +919958907799, Devika Mittal(India) +919582129927, Prashant Nautiyal(India Art and Architecture) + 919555251427

Zeeshan Malik(Dubai) +971554614652, Aitizaz Pirzada(Pakistan) +00923235095854

Mahedi Hasan(Bangladesh) +008801840508522

Niraj Neupane(Students' club of Nepal) 00977-9851071945