(Image source from: kjzz.org)

The Sikhs in Arizona have started a commendable initiative of planting trees for the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. They have started to plant Elms, drought trees and Arizona Ash this year.

$68,000 dollar was the amount gifted as a worldwide observance for the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak who was born in 1469.

On Sunday, Mayor Kate Gallego, other officials and the Sikh Community members came together at Phoenix to celebrate the wonderful tree ceremony. They clicked a joyous picture at Phoenix after the ceremony.

                       (Image source from: Ndcourier.com)

“Trees are universally liked and appreciated by everyone,” Gumer said. “Guru Nanak believed that as well. You treat your planet how you would treat other people. Mistreating the earth is akin to mistreating yourself, because we are all the same.” says Gumer.

This initiative is a boon to the environment given the fact that Phoenix is affected by high temperatures and this added bonus of having more trees is amazing. Prior to this, trees were already being planted by the Phoenix group.

Apart from Arizona, the tree campaigns are ongoing in countries like Germany, Canada and Myanmar to celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.

There are 5,00,000 Sikhs in the US and out of them 4,000 in the Phoenix area. At Gartfield, Central Park, South Phoenix and Grant Park Neighborhoods the trees were planted along the sidewalks and in parks.

Phoenix’s Deputy City manager mentions that they aim to increase the number of trees by 2030

“We are very ambitious, but if we are making progress 550 trees at a time, nothing is out of reach.” says Mayor Kate Gallego.

By Neha Makhija