The second wave of the Covid-19 has turned out to be a catastrophe for India. Many died for sheer want of oxygen.
The news mill was abuzz with stories of such horrifying deaths and this has shaken 9-year-old Abhinab Deb.
Abhinab, a class 3 student at Delhi Public School, has embarked on a mission to plant trees to replenish oxygen in nature.
Abhinab, who hails from Borjalenga area in south Assam’s Cachar district, has gone on a mission of planting 1,000 saplings in his area.
What this kid has understood at such a tender age is certainly a matter of appreciation.
In fact, his fable can surely motivate many Jadav Payengs.
“I am a wildlife enthusiast. I love to be in the midst of nature. I don’t like felling of trees. Whenever I see such things my heart aches,” says Abhinab.
“I have now decided to plant 1000 saplings. Our teachers tell us that we receive oxygen from trees. Since then this idea started taking shape in my mind. I am determined to achieve my goal. My parents are also helping me in this regard,” says the 9-year-old.
“When Abhinab shared his thoughts with us we were surprised. It’s true that he has got a special love for trees. He loves nature. His teachers also tell us that Abhinab asks them many questions related to wildlife. As a parent we thought that it is our responsibility to support him,” says Ajoy Deb.
“Earlier we didn’t take his ideas seriously. We thought that these ideas will fade away with the passage of time. But we were wrong. His steadfast determination too motivated us to stand by his side and help him achieve his dream,” Abhinab’s mother Bulti tells Northeast Now.
On being aware of Abhinab’s story, the district forest officer (DFO) of Cachar, Sunny Deo Choudhury invited him to his office and felicitated him.
“I have given a new name to Abhinab. To me, he is an oxygen boy. We have decided to make Abhinab the brand ambassador of the forest department. I have brought this matter to the notice of my higher authorities as well,” says the DFO.
At a time when poachers are taking away with the horns of Rhinos from Kaziranga when timber smugglers are cutting down trees—wildlife enthusiasts like Abhinab is bringing a ray of hope for the society at large.
Certainly, Covid-19 has not only brought disasters in our lives, but it has also brought optimism in the lives of many like Abhinab who are coming up with out-of-the-box ideas.