Dear Sonia, In keeping with our promise not to be banal, we had a simple function today at the Goa University where the Chief General Manager of State Bank of India, Mr.Rameshkumar planted a kokum graft, before handing over a cheque of Rs.2.00 lakhs to Dr.Ajit Shirodkar, Chairman of WGKF in the presence of the Vice-Chancellor of Goa Univeristy Prof.Zacarias. The cheque is the first instalment of the SBI commitment of Rs.10.00 lakhs for the part of the BIODIVERSITY PLANTATION that will simply be called the SBI FRUIT TREE PARK. [Reported in the local newspapers on 22 and 23 August,2005]. The temporary banners used for the function are all taken away. The plants remain, the banners do not. We are evolving an advertising code with the participation of the collaborating agencies.
In fact, this patch of greenery was created with a SBI fund way back in the early 1990s but had fallen into neglect. To avoid recurrence of such a thing WGKF has signed a five year Memorandum of Understanding with Goa Univeristy to plant and maintain the trees. The name SBI PARK gives the SBI a sense of ownership[ not over the property but the concept] over the trees there in. The CGM assured that the SBI will look beyond the present commitment in terms of time and money. the Vice Chancellor felt encouraged to say that he was looking for the association of the WGKF to go beyond the five years committed almost as a stake before the cards were open on the table. The WGKF had never undertaken such a project before. As the VC put it succintly, " The enthusiasm of two elderly men has become infectious." Mr. P.G.Kakodkar is 69 years young.Dr. Ajit Shirodkar is similarly aged. Their enthusiasm in creating the Biodiversity Park and raising fund for it can best be compared to that of a teen-aged boy going on his first date: Nothing but the very best will do! There are always ways to raise money for something that one is all excited about. The local branch manager of SBI, Ms.Elsa Vernekar has obtained permission and funds to beautify another traffic island. She is also the custodian of the funds being raised under the "WGKF-A/c Support Goa University" to improve other infrastructure in the Goa University. Mr.P.G. Kakodkar has appealed to each household in Goa to contribute Rs.101/- to this fund. With 4.5 lakh households in Goa, this will yield Rs.4.5 crores. It is enough if 25% of the households[ less than 10% of the population] contribute this year to reach the target of Rs.1.0 crores. The Diamond Group of tabloids has committed to advertise the cause and the SWIFT account number free till the fundraising target of Rs.1.0 crore is achieved. On Monday, 29 August,2005, the Chief Minister will dedicate to the people of Goa, the SESA GOA GREEN BELT between the Goa University Library Complex and the Vice-Chancellor's Office, inclusive of two traffic islands. This segment of the Biodiversity Plantation will have shade trees, flowering shrubs, ramblers and creepers with colourful and fragrant flowers to create an ambience in which one would love to read a book...with pleasure. Sesa Goa Group is also participating in reviving the block of legume trees that was begun in 1991. The Chief conservator of Forests, Mr.A.K.Wahal, the Chairman of Biodiversity Board, Dr.Heman Y.Karapurkar, the Director of Science, Technology and Environment, Dr.N.P.S.Varde are expected to be present on the occasion. The BIODIVERSITY PARK has no SPONSORS. It rather has people, agencies and companies that are committing themselves to a cause. This barren patch of the plateau [ which was wooded/forested in the 1960s as per aerial photographs with Dr.S.G.Torne, the first Head of Botany Dept. at Goa Univeristy and the Ph.D guide of at least one Reader at Goa University and one Asst.Conservator of Forests in Goa] which Dr.Padmakar R. Dubhashi [ the second Vice-Chancellor-1990-94 of Goa University] had begun to re-vegetate will one day be a green oasis amidst an urban jungle. Participate in this great romance...and you will have yourself to thank for it !!! Cash is not the only thing that is needed. Even a word of encouragement helps. It helps change attitudes. Viva Goa. Miguel >> From: Sonia Vaze <goanet@goanet.org> > Subject: [Goanet]Re: WGKF - Support Goa University > Miguel wrote : > > >Advertising has evolved. The understatement is in, the flaunting on > >large hoardings is passe. > > >When you see the trees and enjoy the sight,smells,shade and fruits just > >bless the ones that thought of the trees before they thought of what they > >will get out of it. That will be their/our reward. > > Dear Miguel, > Advertising has evolved but mentalities of advertisers/companies has still a long way to go. The huge advertisement hoardings all along the National > Highway e.g. Porvorim-Mapusa, Panaji-Margao etc. is testimony to this. I see huge nauseating hoardings that are nothing but an eysore. God bless you and others who are involved with planting more trees in > Goa. In my own way, I try also. > > sonia > --__--__--
