National Forest Martyrs Day 2022 – Date, Quotes, History, Activities

To begin with, forests are the lifelines responsible for the very existence of life on our planet. Humans depend on forests for almost everything- food, wood, etc. It is also the habitat for many different species of plants and animals. When we say a forest, it isn’t about just many trees, it is much more than that. It is in the forests that nearly 80% of the biodiversity of our planet dwell. Our country has always been in the forefront in protecting and conserving the lush greenery since ancient times. As a matter of fact, we observe National Forest Martyrs Day every year on 11th of September to commemorate all the people who sacrificed their lives in the cause of protecting the forests. So, as the National Forest Martyrs Day 2022 is on the doorstep, let us read more about this special day in this article. Let us buckle up and get going!

National Forest Martyrs Day 2022

In India, every year, the 11th of September is observed as National Forest Martyrs Day. This is to think back to the times when many people across different remote areas of our country sacrificed their lives for protecting the forests. It was not until 2013 when the Ministry of Environment and Forest announced officially that National Forest Martyrs Day was observed. Since then the 11th of September is marked with various events and programmes particularly paying homage and tribute to the bravery of the people who stood for the protection of the greenery. As the National Forest Martyrs Day 2022 is approaching, let us refresh some facts about this special day.

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History of National Forest Martyrs Day 

National Forest Martyrs Day was first observed in 2013 after the Ministry of Environment and Forest announced this holiday throughout India. However, there is a heart wrenching story about why such a day is observed now. It goes like this- In the year 1730, during the reign of Maharaja Abhay Singh in Rajasthan, it was ordered to cut down the Khejarli trees. But, the people of Bishnoi community residing at the village considered this tree to be sacred and was against the idea of chopping them down,

When the army of Maharaja Abhay Singh began the process of shedding down the trees, a brave and courageous woman named Amrita Devi stood against it. As brave a woman she was, she reportedly told them to behead herself rather than the Khejarli trees. Sadly, the Maharaja’s men mercilessly beheaded her followed by 359 others before this dreadful news reached the ears of the Maharaja.

The Maharaja soon ordered to stop the felling of trees. He immediately apologized to the Bishnoi community and praised them for their valour. Moreover, he issued a decree prohibiting any further cutting of the sacred Khejarli trees and hunting of the wildlife in and around the Bishnoi village. This massacre that took place on September 11, 1730 was the root cause for the declaration of National Forest Martyrs Day in 2013. Moreover, the Chipko Movement that began later in the 20th century was also inspired by this brave act of the people of Bishnoi community,

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National Forest Martyrs Day Date

As we are aware by now, National Forest Martyrs Day 2021 falls on 11th September 2021, Saturday. Check out the table below for the date and days of the National Forest Martyrs Day in the upcoming years.

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National Forest Martyrs Day 2022 Quotes

In this section of the article, we have compiled some of the best quotes regarding the need to protect forests and the National Forest Martyrs Day. Check them out!

• “Gold is a luxury. Trees are necessities. Man can live and thrive without gold, but we cannot survive without trees.” – Paul Bamikole
• “The forest is not a resource for us, it is life itself. It is the only place for us to live.” – Evaristo Nugkuag
• “The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.”- John Muir
• “The trees will tell their secrets to those that tune in.”- Steven Magee
• “The tyrant dies and his rule is over, the martyr dies and his rule begins.” ― Soren Kierkegaard
• “The forests are the lungs of the world” – Woody Harrelson
• “In the woods we return to reason and faith.”– Ralph Waldo Emerson
• “Deep down, at the molecular heart of life, the trees, and we are essentially identical.”– Carl Sagan
• “The woods seemed all answer and healing and more than enough to live for.”- Josephine Winslow Johnson
• “It is said that the forest has a certain limit if you look straight ahead, but the sides are boundless.” – Riccardo Bozzi
• “We can learn a lot from the forests, regrowth, change and beauty.”-Catherine Pulsifer
• “Dreams appear as seeds that when planted, must become a forest reserve.” – Israelmore Ayivor
• “Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.”- Gary Snyder
• “In all things of nature there is something of the marvellous.”- Aristotle
• “The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.”- Robert Frost

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Possible Activities National Forest Martyrs Day 2022

Here are some of the relevant and possible activities that can be held as a part of the National Forest Martyrs Day.

Spread the Word

Forests are basically the lifelines which are necessary for the very existence of life on earth. On this  National Forest Martyrs Day, do not shy away from spreading the word regarding the importance of forests. Use different available methods of communication to create awareness amongst the common people.

Learn the facts

Our country boasts many lush green forests. So, let us take some time to learn the facts and figures about these forests and keep ourselves informed. Identify the zones that need to be taken care of and work for the goal.

Plant a Tree

What can be a true observance of this special day, without planting a sapling today! Dig out a pit yourself and plant a sapling. Slowly watch it grow and let your soul rejoice.

Salute the Martyrs

Forest martyrs deserve equal importance as any other martyrs. So, honour what they have done to conserve and preserve the forests around us. Salute them and promise that they will not be forgotten. These unsung heroes deserve to be remembered beyond infinity.

Schedule significant events

A myriad of events like poster designing, painting, slogan writing., etc can be conducted in the context of  National Forest Martyrs Day. So, organize such an event and let the talents shine.

Concluding Note

As the National Forest Martyrs Day 2021 is on the horizon, plan the activities and celebrations beforehand. Salute the martyrs in true spirit and do not forget to raise your voice to the cause of protection of forests. Also, speak up for the guards and officers who serve to conserve and protect the forests. Make sure to do your bit to safeguard their rights and interests. We salute all the Forest Martyrs!!

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