Ever since I could remember, I’ve been fascinated by the natural world. My birthplace, Dhoot Kalan in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district in India, was nestled in the lap of nature. Our farmhouse was a haven for numerous animals and birds, including deers, jackals, peacocks, snakes, and wild boars, embedding the essence of nature into my very being.
My career trajectory took off with graduating as a medical practitioner in 2015, followed by my subsequent relocation to Ireland. My initial years were spent specialising in geriatric stroke medicine, but eventually, I chose to become a GP. I aspired to intertwine my career as a physician with my passion for the environment. This way, I could further comprehend the symbiotic relationship between humanity and nature.
In Ireland, I was delighted to find other nature enthusiasts with the same drive to do something for the environment. United by this shared purpose, we formed EcoSikh Ireland. This environmental group draws inspiration from Sikhism’s teachings to care for nature. The first Guru of the Sikhs, Nanak Dev Ji, preached: ‘Our Guru is the air, water is our father, and the earth is our mother’. These preachings embed in every Sikh a profound love for nature. The holy scriptures also mention that the creator is omnipresent, in every human being, animal, tree, or even the smallest insect, establishing an interconnected bond of love with the entire creation.
Despite its lush green appearance, Ireland only has 11% of its land covered by forests. A significant portion of these consists of commercially grown, non-native trees that lack biodiversity. A mere 2% – 3% of these forests are native to Ireland, crucial for the growth of its unique flora and fauna. Dedicated to reversing this imbalance, the volunteers at EcoSikh Ireland have swung into action by planting two microforests of native trees. Across three weekends in March, we toiled to plant 20,000 native trees near Greystones in Co. Wicklow. Our mission involved the local community, inviting locals to our initiative with a simple condition of bringing a shovel. The joy of educating people about the importance of native trees and biodiversity is unparalleled.
As a group, we celebrated not just the act of planting trees, but also the beautiful, lifelong bond a young child of six creates with nature, as they plant their first tree. The thought of them reminiscing about this experience when they turn 25, fills us with immeasurable joy.
Numerous children find themselves confined to their desks for the entire school day, a system which often proves ineffective. This reminds me of my own childhood experience, where I began violin lessons at the tender age of five, but by the time I was 19, it seemed as if a career in music was off the cards. I defied expectations and took off to Ireland, leaving my musical training behind.
In the whirlwind of modern life and work, it’s too easy to grow distant from nature. However, I’ve been involved in what many might consider a humdrum task, but its impact on the local environment could be profound in the long run. During these sessions, we plant various trees while providing complimentary food and tea to those assisting. Our forest, dubbed ‘the freedom forest’, is home to oak, willow, hazel and cherry trees amongst 17 native species, all planted intentionally to foster biodiversity. This forest is a tribute to the Ukrainian refugees who left their homeland mortally.
On these planting days, the atmosphere is inspiring and refreshing. It’s heartening to see the reverence for nature in folks that turn up, willing to put their free days to use. Despite their busy routines, their enthusiasm and motivation upon getting involved are tangible. And for me, perhaps there’s nothing more uplifting than watching a young child plant a tree and imagining the bond and memories they will form with it over the years.
In the quaint village of Templeglantine, Co. Limerick, adjacent to the National School, we’ve managed to plant over 1000 trees. This school holds a special place in history – Max MacAuliffe, a previous student and son of the school’s inaugural principal, had undertaken the commendable task of translating part of the Sikh scriptures, the Guru Granth Sahib ji, into English. Having joined the Indian Civil Service around the 1860s, he nurtured a deep interest in the Sikh faith during his time in Punjab. As for me, I had my own rebellion, transitioning from music student to environmental enthusiast, but somehow I don’t regret taking that detour to Ireland.
In the Sikh community, he’s highly respected for his dedicated and commendable work of translation. His noteworthy contribution was acknowledged by not only the local populace of Templeglantine, but also the headmaster of the neighbourhood school. In his honour, a microforest referred to as the Guru Nanak Sacred Forest was cultivated at Templeglantine. A testament to Max MacAuliffe’s lasting legacy, these trees are thriving and have grown two to three-fold in size.
A unique feature of the forest is a specially crafted wooden throne sheltering a time capsule beneath it. This capsule contains a collection of a hundred handwritten letters from the local children and those of the Sikh community.
Additionally, we facilitate events in Dublin to collect litter, offering a platform for families to demonstrate to their children the significance of environmental conservation. As society gets preoccupied with work and life in general, our connection with mother nature can diminish. EcoSikh Ireland emerges as an initiative to re-educate individuals about the relevance of nature.
Though my job keeps me busy, I take the effort to commit a couple of hours weekly to EcoSikh. Simple measures can effect substantial change. It’s my belief that my actions might inspire future generations to continue to care for the environment. Being in nature brings me immense joy. I feel a deep connection to Mother Earth when I’m in nature. After all, it’s our collective responsibility to safeguard our planet, our home.