MANGALORE, July 18, 2013: Akhila Kerala Thantri Samajam, north zone, will organize 'Nakshatra Vriksha', a programme on nature and stars. The programme will be held at Vilayithoor Sri Kuttichathan Temple, Payyoli in Kozhikode district of Kerala from September 1 to 12.

Udupi Pejawar mutt seer Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji told reporters that trees and stars have a direct impact on humans. "It is recorded in science that each tree represents a star. However, people ignore nature and stars in the name of development. Natural disaster like flood Uttarakhand are the direct results of over exploitation of natural resources. The programme has been organized to create awareness on nature and stars among people," he said.

Samajam representative Brahmashri Kuntaru Raveesh Thantri said eminent personalities including former president APJ Abdul Kalam, Union defense minister AK Antony, principal secretary to the Prime Minister PK Nair, Union ministers KK Venugopal, Shashi Tharoor, Opposition Leader in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj, MP Brinda Karat, Sri Shabarimala temple priest Sri Kandararu Maheshwarar and others will take part in the programme.

A Nakshatra Vriksha pooja and a saplings distribution programme will be held on September 8. "We have plans to distribute one lakh saplings belonging to 27 species that represent 27 nakshatras. Devotees can either sponsor or buy trees that represent their nakshatra," he added.

Environmentalist Medha Patkar will inaugurate the environment summit to be held at 3pm on the same day.

Source: The Times pf India, DT. July 18, 2013.