#pipal tree

The Pali Tirtham

The Pipal Tree and Platform at the Pali Tirtham

Here's why the Peepal tree is so prevalent in India:

Religious Significance:It is revered as sacred in multiple religions, particularly Hinduism and Buddhism, with its association with enlightenment in Buddhism. 

Widespread Distribution:The Peepal tree is naturally found throughout India, from the Himalayas to the coasts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and is commonly planted in urban and rural areas. 

Cultural Importance:It's often planted near temples, homes, and along roadsides, reflecting its deep-rooted presence in Indian culture and daily life. 

Medicinal Properties:The Peepal tree is also known for its medicinal properties, with various parts of the tree used in traditional medicine. 

We just returned from Kabini and this marks our last trip to the Children’s College. The emotional surge I felt as the car pulled away from the hostel is In stark contrast to the excitement I felt as I said goodbye to my parents when I took off to India. My different reactions for essentially the same event, saying goodbye to people I love and to others I have grown to love, disturbed me a bit.

In two weeks I will see my parents again, I will stay up late laughing with my sister and bro, I will see my friends, I will be able to have another BBQ in my garage. But I don’t know when I will see these kids again.

Tribal people are very interesting. There is a sense of detachment with them. When they lived in the forest they would collect just the right amount of leaves and food items for the day, trusting the forest would provide for tomorrow’s needs. Thursday morning we revisited the fringes of the forest to interview a few more of the children’s families. One of the parents expressed his concern with the elephants stomping on their crops at night. As he spoke, a lady that stood by with her child in arms called us over to show us some more elephant footprints. She was excited to talk to us and after some conversing, she calmly mentioned that her husband had died of a heart attack the previous night. Soon she picked up where she had left off about the elephants, damaging the crops, not letting them sleep at night, etc.

I have to say I admire the underlying philosophy behind this sense detachment. The idea that things come and go and that what is there today may not be there tomorrow. What really matters is that whatever it is, person or thing, it served its purpose for today…

As we said good bye to the kids I watched how they went about laughing, playing, eating, just being themselves. Unaltered. And yet I felt like I was leaving a piece of me behind! Angelina Jolie isn’t crazy. If I had the resources I would have adopted them all on the spot. However, this group is the hope for their families, for their villages. I know they will become the teachers, doctors, police officers they desire to be and the list will grow and change as they grow and change. This thought satisfies me. When I go back to NYC I’ll do my part by raising funds so that more of these tribal kids get the tools they need to unleash their potential.