SAC Chairman Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing plants Linlun sapling at second national level monsoon tree growing ceremony for 2023
NAY PYI TAW July 28
The second national level monsoon tree growing ceremony for 2023 took place at the precinct of Maravijaya Buddha image which would be the world tallest sitting marble image built in Dekkhinathiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw, Union Territory, this morning, attended by Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing who planted a Linlun sapling.
Also present at the ceremony were Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, wife of the Senior General, SAC Vice Chairman Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, the secretary and wife, the joint secretary and wife, council members and wives, Union level officials, Unon ministers and their wives, the chairman of Nay Pyi Taw Council Area, the Chief of the General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) and wife, high ranking senior military officers from the Office of the Commanderin-Chief, the commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command, deputy ministers, officers and staff of relevant ministries, students from the Forestry and Environmental Science University, basic education schools and officials.
Speaking on the occasion, the Senior General said that the tree growing ceremony aims to green the Maravijaya Buddha Park, create peaceful mindedness of pilgrims and people to the image, ensure long term existence of forest resoruces with plentiful biodiversity, and beautify the environment in fine weather.
Maravijaya Buddha Image would be the world tallest sitting marble Buddha image.
Today’s ceremony will arrange cultivation of 2,181 plants from 17 species of trees including Linlun, Lumbini sal and Gangaw (Mesua ferrea) plants in the park where the Buddha Image honorable for Myanmar is located.
Linlun plant is a symbol for the past event in which the Lord Buddha delivered a first-ever sermon to Taphussa and Bhallika and gave His sacred hair as well as the origin of launching two kinds of Sarana Gamana. Likewise, Lumbini sal plant is a symbol of the birthplace of the Lord Buddha.
A total of 28 Lord Buddhas attained Enlightenment under the shade of Bodi banyan trees at forests and parks. As such, growing trees and nurturing forests can contribute to flourishing and propagation of Budhism in line with the fire traditions.
Growing trees and conserving forest is one of six perpetual meritorious deeds preached by the Lord Buddha. Such kind of meritorious deeds is similar to construction of the public-rest houses, caves, monasteries and roofed buildings and other meritorious deeds. It can bring longevity and good health conditions.
Hence, the park conserves Bodi banyan trees, Kyee, Linlun and Lumbini sal plants concerning the Buddhism and other various species of trees. In line with the saying that pagodas, monasteries and lakes are pleasant with trees, the government will cooperate with people in growing the trees so as to green the park.
As thriving trees is based on heritages of past events, benefist of present era and development in the future, it is important for systematic conservation of the trees. It is necessary to nurture and conserve the saplings to be thrived. All need to grow trees and conserve forests for long term existence. The Senior General stressed the need to strive for forming 30 percent of the State area as the forest reserves and protected public forests in 2030 and 10 percent of the areas as the natural conservation areas under the long term plans.
The role of forest is of importance for long term development of the State and food sufficiency of the people with healthiness and happiness. Forest conservation must be done on the various points of views for greening the Buddha Park and ensuring the long term thriving of trees. Today’s tree growing ceremony must be a sample for greening all parts of the nation including urban and rural areas and ensuring peace and tranquility of their environments and the whole planet Earth as part of performing meritious deeds.
The Senior General and wife planted a Linlun plant at the designated place.
The Vice-Senior General and wife, the secretary and wife, the joint secretary and wife, council members and wives, Union level officials, Union ministers, officers and staff from relevant ministries, students from the University of Forestry and Environmental Science and basic education schools as well as officials planted saplings at the designated places.
The Senior General and wife viewed round participation of the attendees in growing the saplings.