The Piplantri Village.

In a country that still favours the birth of a son, Piplantri village in Rajasthan not only embraces daughters but has created a unique tradition. This endearing village makes a conscious effort to save girl children and the green cover at the same time, by planting 111 trees every time a girl is born.

The village gathers as a community and plants 111 fruit trees in honour of every newborn female child. Village residents collect Rs.21,000/- between themselves and Rs.10,000/- from the girl's parents. This sum of Rs.31,000/- is made into a 20-year fixed deposit for the girl.

Parents are legally bound by a signed affidavit stating that their daughter will receive proper education. The affidavit also mandates that the girl should be married only after she reaches legal age and the trees planted after her birth have been correctly looked after.

The community ensures that the trees survive attaining fruition as the girl grows up.

The villagers don't just plant trees, they look after them as well. To protect the trees from termites, the residents plant aloe vera plants around them.

These trees and especially the aloe vera plants are now a source of livelihood for several residents.

This unique tradition was first suggested by the village's former leader, Shyam Sunder Paliwal, in honour of his daughter who passed away at a young age. In the last 6 years, over a quarter of a million trees have been planted.

Villagers claim there has not been any police case here for the last 7 to 8 years.

This is a heart warming and inspiring story that needs to be shared as much as possible across India.

My take

Great to hear feel good stories like the one above. May there be many more such positive actions - and I am sure there are plenty of them!

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle late, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. 

Long chats with Indira kunjamma, Rema. PCI and the battery rejuvenators talked to. They should come by tomorrow or the day after.

Fruitful chats with friends and relatives.