In Kerala’s Palakkad, a banyan tree that shares India’s birthday turns 80
The tree was planted by Vadakkeppattu Narayanan Nair, a Sanskrit scholar and Ayurveda physician from Vadavannur, at the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947
On August 15, 1947, as India gained its hard-fought independence, a young banyan tree was planted at Vadavannur Vaidyasala in Kerala's Palakkad district. Seventy-nine years later, the country and the tree continue to share the same birthday. On Saturday, the people of Vadavannur celebrated both India's 80th Independence Day and the 80th anniversary of the venerable banyan tree.
The banyan tree was planted by Vadakkeppattu Narayanan Nair, a Sanskrit scholar and Ayurveda physician from Vadavannur, on the stroke of midnight on Independence Day. Today, the tree stands as a symbol of that historic moment. P. Gopinatha Menon, president of the Vaidyasala Arayal Samrakshana Samiti, said, "It is a rare privilege to celebrate India's freedom alongside this tree."
For over a decade, residents have gathered every Independence Day to honor the tree, transforming a personal act into a cherished community tradition.
The committee has also taken steps to safeguard the tree. The Vadavannur grama panchayat built a protective foundation around it, and Narayanan Nair's son, Madhusoodhanan Nair, adorned the foundation with tiles. The tree now offers a natural nook where people can sit beneath its branches, just as it has borne witness to generations evolving around it.
Vadavannur panchayat president Vincy C. raised the national flag, while Madhusoodanan Nair and Menon jointly lit the ceremonial lamp. P. A. Rajeev and councillor Radhika A. addressed the gathering. The programme concluded with the national anthem and the sharing of sweets.
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