Celebrating 40 Years of Raksha Bandhan with Tree Planting
A Unique Celebration of Raksha Bandhan
On August 9, 2025, Dr. Janak Palta Magilligan, the director of the Jimmy Magilligan Center for Sustainable Development, will celebrate the 40th Raksha Bandhan festival by planting trees on the Duthni Mountain behind her home in Sanawadia, alongside her brother Rajendra Ochani.
During the Indian festival of Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie a rakhi on their brothers' wrists, symbolizing their sacred bond. The brothers vow to protect their sisters. Dr. Janak celebrates this occasion by promoting tree planting as a means of safeguarding everyone.
The spiritual significance of planting trees on Raksha Bandhan dates back 39 years when Rajendra Ochani, a Sindhi brother traveling with Dr. Janak on the Malwa Express from Indore to Delhi, was inspired by her community service.
Upon returning, he would visit his wife Jyoti and requested Dr. Janak to tie a rakhi a week before the festival, which she graciously accepted. However, his request for a gift was quite unconventional!
In a light-hearted manner, Jyoti Bhabi asked Dr. Janak whether she preferred a suit or a saree. The environmentally conscious Dr. Janak requested a tree sapling instead, stating, 'Suits and sarees may fade, but trees provide us with oxygen, shade, and fruits for generations!' This led to the planting of their first sapling together at the Bahai Bhavan Bhamori Institute, and the tradition has continued ever since.
In Indore, Rajendra Ochani and Dr. Janak's environmentalist friends celebrated Raksha Bandhan at the Bahai Institute until 2011. After retiring, Dr. Janak moved to Sanawadia, where she has continued the tradition of planting trees every year on Raksha Bandhan at her residence, 'Giridharshan,' as trees are vital for the protection of all living beings.
With trees, the bond between siblings and the entire ecosystem thrives. On this day, they collectively plant trees to protect the environment. Each year, the number of tree planters alongside Dr. Janak increases. For her 40th Raksha Bandhan celebration, participants from Sanawadia, Bicholi Mardana, Indore, and Rajasthan have confirmed their attendance. Notable attendees include Dr. Bharat Rawat, Dr. Neerja Pauranik, Green Hero Ambrish Kela, Dr. Prakash Kaushal, Dr. Dilip Waghela, families from the Bahai community, solar dryer expert Varun Raheja, and many students, youth, and women, who will plant 60 saplings.
As always, they have committed to caring for the saplings after planting.
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