Goa Governor PS Sreedharan Pillai Celebrates PM Modi’s Birthday with Tree Therapy and Prayers

Panaji (Goa) [India], September 17: Goa Governor PS Sreedharan Pillai urged everyone to protect and preserve Goa’s natural heritage while attending a function at Raj Bhavan on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 74th birthday on Tuesday.

“We are living in an age of speed. Indeed, speed can significantly impact progress in various aspects of life,” the governor remarked.

Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant presided over the function, with the Minister for Environment, Aleixo Sequeira, also in attendance. Additionally, Dr P M Varier, Managing Trustee of Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, Kerala, and Mr Devidas Varier, Managing Director of Coimbatore Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, Tamil Nadu, graced the occasion as Guests of Honour. MRM Rao, IAS, Secretary to the Governor, welcomed the guests.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Pillai stated, “The traditional method of treating and rejuvenating trees is still relatively unknown to the world, and it would be appropriate to demonstrate this unique tree therapy at Raj Bhavan as a mission to save age-old trees using traditional methods. Ayurvedic conservationists and doctors from Kerala have been invited to carry out the treatment. This initiative will inspire the public, particularly the younger generation, to protect and preserve Goa’s natural heritage and rich traditions.”

CM Pramod Sawant extended his wishes to the Prime Minister on his 74th birthday. “His leadership has propelled India to greater heights, not only in terms of economic growth and technological advancements but also in reviving and preserving the essence of Bharatiya culture and tradition,” the Chief Minister added.

Speaking on Raj Bhavan’s unique initiatives, CM Sawant further said, “The Governor’s greatest contribution has been his focus on preserving Goa’s environment, promoting sustainable development, and reconnecting us with the wisdom of our ancient heritage.” He also mentioned how Goa’s trees, some of which have been growing for centuries, are part of the state’s ‘living legacy.’ “These ancient trees are not just part of our environment but represent a living legacy. They hold the stories of our land and serve as a testament to our respect for nature,” he said. The Chief Minister also appealed to the people of Goa to preserve the state’s traditional old trees.

Earlier, the Governor, First Lady of Goa Rita Shreedharan Pillai, and other dignitaries offered prayers at a church, Shree Ganesh temple, and Gaushala, seeking blessings for the Prime Minister’s good health and many more years of dedicated service towards the peace and prosperity of the nation, as well as the realisation of the grand vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat.’

Additionally, Raj Bhavan also undertook ‘Vriksha Ayurveda Chikitsa,’ also known as ‘Poshana Yoga,’ for the nourishment of trees, based on the principles of Vriksha Ayurveda, a rare treatise on the science of plant life. Recently, Raj Bhavan embarked on another unique initiative, paying tribute to Indian medicine by deciding to install statues of two legendary physicians of ancient India–Charaka, the ‘Father of Ayurveda’, and Sushruta, the ‘Father of Surgery’–on the lawns of Raj Bhavan. The statues are likely to be inaugurated by the end of the month.