Tree-planting ceremony kickstarts Diwali celebrations

Diwali celebrations across the country set off on Saturday October 25 with a tree-planting ceremony at the Hindu Council’s new crematorium site at the east coast reclamation area.

The ceremony was graced by Minister for Land Use and Habitat Joseph Belmont, Minister for Social Affairs and Employment Dolor Ernesta, Indian High Commissioner Malay Mishra, members of the Hindu Council and other invited guests.

The ceremony began with tree planting around the compound, followed by Minister Belmont’s address.

Minister Belmont described the act of planting trees as a very important contribution to our environment, an asset he said should be protected.  He also congratulated the Hindu community for its initiative.

On behalf of the High Commission of India, Mr Mishra thanked the involved ministries for the crematorium site.

“In our philosophy, death is a door to life," Mr Mishra said.  "Nothing dies in this world because we believe we are all part of the cycle of energy.”

He also thanked the government of Seychelles for its help and assistance by providing the Indian community of Seychelles with a beautiful plot of land to be a memorial for all times to come.

“I also would like to thank all members of the Hindu council for their energetic efforts," said Mr Mishra. 

As the trees grow, he said, the site will become a garden not only for the dead to be cremated but also as a place for people to come and visit.

In the near future the Hindu Council hopes to embellish its crematorium site with inspirational writings from Indian philosophy engraved on stones, for those in search of inspiration from time to time.

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