National Forest Martyrs Day 2024: Date, History, And Significance

National Forest Martyrs Day is observed annually on September 11 in India to honour those who have lost their lives in the defence of the nation's forests and wildlife. Many individuals have dedicated their lives to this cause, with some even making the ultimate sacrifice to protect these precious natural resources. This important day, known as National Forest Martyrs Day, is set to recognise and pay tribute to their sacrifices. Below, we delve into the date, history, and significance of this observance.

National Forest Martyrs Day 2024: Date

In India, National Forest Martyrs Day is observed each year on September 11th as a tribute to the brave souls who laid down their lives defending the nation's forests and wildlife. Their sacrifices are remembered for their crucial role in preserving these natural resources, which are vital to the health and well-being of our planet.

National Forest Martyrs Day: History

The Ministry of Environment designated September 11 as National Forest Martyrs Day in 2013 to commemorate the Khejarli Massacre, which occurred in 1730. According to CNBC TV18, this tragic event unfolded in the Kingdom of Marwar when Maharaja Abhai Singh Rathore ordered the felling of trees near the Bishnoi village of Khejarli. The Bishnoi community, known for their belief in preserving nature and not cutting green trees, pleaded with the king’s representatives to spare the trees.

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Led by Amrita Devi Bishnoi, the villagers refused to back down or pay a bribe, opting instead to protect the trees by hugging them. In defiance, the soldiers executed Devi, her family, and many other villagers. Reinforcements from other Bishnoi communities arrived, and in total, 363 villagers sacrificed their lives to protect the trees. In response, Maharaja Abhai Singh visited the village to apologise and issued a decree that prohibited the killing of animals and felling of trees in Bishnoi villages. The village was named Khejarli in honour of the Khejri trees the villagers had died defending.

National Forest Martyrs Day: Significance

National Forest Martyrs Day honours the lives of environmental activists, forest officers, and everyday citizens who work under hazardous conditions, sometimes even losing their lives, to protect natural resources. It recognises the bravery of those who stood against illegal activities like logging, poaching, and deforestation to safeguard India’s forests and wildlife.

This day also serves to raise awareness about the importance of forest conservation and highlights the critical role forests play in maintaining ecological balance. It encourages people to appreciate and contribute to the preservation of these natural assets.

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National Forest Martyrs Day: Quotes

Here are some meaningful quotes that can be shared on National Forest Martyrs Day:

• "The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit." – Nelson Henderson
• "Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people." – Franklin D. Roosevelt
• "What we are doing to the forests of the world is but a mirror reflection of what we are doing to ourselves and to one another." – Mahatma Gandhi
• "We will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught." – Baba Dioum
• "A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people." – Franklin D. Roosevelt
• "To stand in a forest is to witness life in its purest form. We honour those who gave theirs to protect it." – Anonymous
• "A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself, like the preservation of nature." – Joseph Campbell
• "The sacrifice made by those who protect our forests is a reminder that every tree stands as a symbol of their courage." – Anonymous

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