National Forest Martyrs Day is an important day in India. It is a day when we remember the brave men and women who lost their lives protecting forests. Observed annually on 11th September, this day reminds us of the incredible dedication of our forest guards, rangers, and forest officers. Every day they risk their lives to protect the natural resources of our country.
Another aim of National Forest Martyrs Day 2023 is to raise awareness about the importance of our forests and wildlife. Forests play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance on Earth. Unfortunately, the forests in India are getting decreased due to factors like urbanization, encroachment, etc.
Name of the event National Forest Martyrs Day 2023
Date 11th September 2023
Frequency Annual
Aim To honour those who lost their lives protecting our jungles
Day Monday
Established by Ministry of Environment, Government of India
Forest guards and officials have to face a lot of challenges in the line of duty. Many of them have lost their lives due to activities like illegal logging, encroachment, poaching, etc. The main objective of National Forest Martyrs Day 2023 is to recognize the selfless service of all those who made supreme sacrifices to protect our forests.
This day is utterly significant because it reminds us that the forests of our country are not only a valuable natural resource but also a part of our cultural heritage. We must do whatever we can to preserve them for future generations. It is the perfect day to raise awareness about the importance of forests and their conservation. This day also encourages people to show love and respect for the forest officials. By joining hands and coming together, we can make sure that the sacrifices made by forest guards and officers are never forgotten.
India has a long and rich history of forest conservation which dates back to the Vedic period. The Vedas give evidence of the significance of trees and forests. However, Forest Martyrs Day is observed in remembrance of the Khejarli massacre of 1730. This massacre took place in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
It is the story of a brave woman called Amrita Devi who used to live in Khejarli village in Rajasthan. At that time, the village was home to a large number of trees. However, Maharaja Abhay Singh of Jodhpur was determined to clear the forest to make way for his expanding kingdom. He issued a warning that his soldiers will cut down all trees in the area and anyone caught trying to protect them would be severely punished.
Amrita Devi along with other fellow villagers of the Bishnoi community refused to just stand by and watch their beloved forest getting destroyed. The Bishnoi community consider Khejri trees to be sacred and believed that they provided shelter to birds and animals. They hugged the trees and refused to move even in the face of violence. In the end, they paid the ultimate price for their bravery. The soldiers cut down the trees killing Amrita Devi and 362 other villagers.
Their bravery inspired a movement to protect forests across India. In 2013, the Ministry of Environment decided to mark 11th September the date when the Khejarli massacre happened as National Forest Martyrs Day in India.
Here are some ways to observe National Forest Martyrs Day 2023:
Check out some facts about Indian forests that all of us should know.
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