As our cities rise and forests shrink, we risk forgetting the deep connections our communities have always had with trees. Trees are more than just greenery. They are the lungs of our planet, the shelter for countless creatures, and the providers of food, medicine, and clean air. Yet every year, forests disappear at an alarming rate, leaving a void that is felt environmentally, culturally, and spiritually.
For South Asians, trees have always held sacred meaning. In Hinduism, the Earth, or Prithvi Mata, is a living mother deserving of respect. In Buddhism, the Bodhi tree is where Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment, a reminder of wisdom and mindfulness. Islam encourages us to act as Khalifah, caretakers of the Earth, protecting all that Allah has created. The Banyan tree, standing tall in villages and towns, has long been a place of community gathering, storytelling, and spiritual reflection.
There is something magical about being close to a tree. Hugging a tree, feeling its rough bark and immense presence, is more than symbolic. It is a way to reconnect with nature, to honor life, and to remind ourselves that we are part of something far bigger than our urban routines.
I have personally made it my mission to plant trees in my community. Each sapling is a step toward reversing deforestation and healing the Earth. Tree planting is a hands-on, grounding experience that blends environmental action with cultural mindfulness. Beyond planting, we can all contribute by reducing waste, recycling, choosing sustainable products, and supporting organizations that protect forests. Every action matters.
Deforestation is happening faster than most of us realize, and its consequences ripple across the globe. Losing trees is not only an environmental tragedy. It is a spiritual and cultural loss, a severing of the bonds that connect us to our heritage and the natural world. Protecting our trees is a responsibility to the Earth, to our communities, and to future generations. Let us nurture our forests, hug our trees, and plant new ones so that the heart of Asia and the planet can continue to thrive.
