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A bur oak was planted in Lamoureux Park late on Tuesday morning, but it was no ordinary tree.
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This oak carries a lot of symbolism and represents co-operation and camaraderie, Cornwall Mayor Justin Towndale said in welcoming High Commissioner of India Sanjay Kumar Verma and his entourage and other guests to the park for the ceremony.
“The City of Cornwall is proud to host the this tree-planting today,” the mayor said. “This initiative (led by Narendra Damodardas Modi, the prime minister of India) is an important one, building both the environment and co-operation across the world.
A marker in front of the newly planted bur oak tree in Lamoureux Park. Photo on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, in Cornwall, Ont. Todd Hambleton/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network Photo by Todd Hambleton /Todd Hambleton/Standard-Freeholder
“(The ceremony) symbolizes our shared commitment to environmental sustainability and celebrates the enduring friendship between the City of Cornwall and Country of India. It is a moment of pride for our community.”
Towndale was referencing the #Plant4Mother campaign, which was launched by Modi earlier this year, on World Environment Day, June 5, the goal to plant 800 million trees by September, and 1.4 billion by next March, a collective effort involving the government and society in India.
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Several people took a turn with the shovels at the tree-planting ceremony in Lamoureux Park. Photo on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, in Cornwall, Ont. Todd Hambleton/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network Photo by Todd Hambleton /Todd Hambleton/Standard-Freeholder
The High Commission of India in Ottawa reached out to the city, and Towndale said he was very pleased to invite the delegation for what the city called an important occasion, underscoring the close ties and long-standing friendship between the residents of Cornwall and the people of India.
It was noted Cornwall is home to a significant number of residents who have strong familial and cultural connections to India.
“This tree-planting ceremony is not just about planting trees, it is about planting the seeds of friendship, co-operation, and mutual respect between our two communities,” Verma said. “It is a gesture that signifies our joint efforts towards a greener and more sustainable future.”
A page in the city’s book of recognition. Photo on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, in Cornwall, Ont. Todd Hambleton/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network Photo by Todd Hambleton /Todd Hambleton/Standard-Freeholder
Looking out at the natural beauty of Lamoureux Park, with the St. Lawrence River not far off, Verma said “you are very fortunate to see so much green around you. . . most countries in the world are not so fortunate.”
An inscribed stone just in front of the tree marks the occasion; just before the planting, Towndale invited Verma to sign the city’s book of recognition, also known as the golden book.
Wrote Verma: “Environment protection is a shared value for the entire humanity. We thank the people of Cornwall for taking part in this noble initiative. 1.4 billion people of India send their greetings to you!”
thambleton@postmedia.com
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