Pankaj Oudhia

Change in Climate is tolerable but change in human (behavior) is not

“We have lost hundreds of orchids unnecessarily. Oh! My God.” The Traditional Healers said. We were in hill top and standing in front of heap of freshly cut trees. Hundreds of trees were cut by “Wood Mafia” and dumped in remote place to hide from the authorities. “They have nothing to do with these orchids. They cut trees and interested in timber. They never think that cutting of trees is resulting in death of thousands of valuable medicines. We can save hundreds of patients suffering from different types of cancer from this orchid population. These are priceless but due to ignorance Wood Mafia is cutting mercilessly.” The Healers said with deep pain.

This is not an old trend. I have mentioned in previous research articles that orchids are still worshipped in rural India. Trees having orchid population are not cut. In many parts people dare to cut such trees are severely punished by senior villagers. It is consider as more heinous crime than homicide. When these orchids are collected the Healers and other natives worship it. They treat it with herbal solutions. It is harvested in quantity required to save lives. It is never collected in excess. This is the reason Chhattisgarh forest are still rich in orchid population.

“We have no answer of the question that what happened to our own youths specially youth returning from big cities? They are destroying the forest and herbs mercilessly for short time gain. They are coming with rich people in big cars and selling everything related to our tradition. We tried to convince them and then also punished them but they are still engaged in this illegal activity. Our temples and sacred places are not safe. Our forest is not safe. Without it we cannot survive long.” The Healers said.

“Are you interested in leopard skin? Or rare placenta of cat kept in ancient temple? Or old metal bell from sacred places? Or want to get valuable herbs Kamraj, Bhojraj and Tejraj? Name the thing; we can arrange it for you.” You can listen these lines in almost all newly developed tourist spots in Chhattisgarh specially in spots were foreign tourists visit frequently. Unemployed youth having latest mobile and costly bike make such offers. They have no fear of authorities. The senior natives are much worried of this changed behavior. 

Few days back I was in forest where regular “Koop katai” was in progress. The forest authorities were cutting large trees as routine operation. I saw a dead body of recently murdered Beeja tree. It was full of orchids. I asked to forest worker about the future of these orchids. “It is waste for us.” He replied. I observed it minutely and found some life. It was not possible to save it. These orchids are very delicate and once disturbed they reestablish rarely. The Healers were with me. They said that if we have no power to give life to anyone then how we can take life of anyone. Like “Wood Mafia”, authorities are also careless about orchids. When they approach to forest for cutting valuable trees their vehicles crush thousands of valuable herbs, insects and other organisms.

Tomorrow my photo exhibition is at Mahakaushal Art Gallery in capital city Raipur. The organizer selected the picture of dieing orchid on trunk of dead Beeja tree for its color and combination. When I told the painful truth associated with it he almost cried. “You must remain there to tell this painful truth to visitors. Let’s hope that they will raise voice in support of orchids.” He requested. “I will be there.” I assured.

“Are you invited at Copenhagen?” I joked with the Traditional Healers when we were sitting in mid forest for food. “Copenhagen? What’s that? Any exotic herb? We have never heard this name?” They simply replied. I informed about Copenhagen and on-going climate change summit. They listened it with interest. “Whether Traditional Healers or indigenous people are participating in this summit?” Many of them asked. I remained answerless as I have never heard about it from media. In general in such events people who live near to the Mother Nature are ignored and so-called experts who know the Mother Nature through text books make plans and take decisions. I am in touch with thousands of healers, herb collectors, farmers etc. but no one was called for this important event.

One of my friends working in non-governmental organization asked, “I am going for this summit. I have prepared a list for shopping. If you want good camera, I can bring it for you.” I asked whether Indigenous people are participating in it. If yes then I would be fortunate to suggest some names.” He said, “No, No. They are not invited, only their representatives are invited. If interested, I can arrange your visit.” I remained firm and asked again why indigenous people are ignored in such event? Is earth not belongs to them?

This time he showed anger and said, “This is the reason why you are not invited in such events. Forget the indigenous people. Enjoy your life. It is nothing but picnic.” He said and I cut the phone.

In forest while taking food I continued discussion with Traditional Healers. Suddenly we saw an old truck loaded with tree dead bodies passing by. After sometime young natives in cycles loaded with wood passed. I informed the Healers that new report on forest cover has come. According to this report forest cover in your region has increased. The Healers laughed loudly and said, “Every time you say it. You are seeing that forest cover is decreasing very rapidly. Where we are sitting was dense forest two years back but now it is nothing but barren land.”

“I am not saying it. It is report based on satellite monitoring. Our planners believe on modern technologies. From space earth looks greener year by year. Who bothers the ground level situations?” I joined the laughing Healers.

Suddenly they stopped laughing and a senior Healer said, “Sahab, we are not afraid of change in Climate. It is not a change but the Mother Nature is “Adjusting” as per need and greed of humans. She will manage the problem if any. We are more worried about change in behavior of our youth. Change in climate is tolerable but we cannot tolerate the change in our own blood.”     

Mahua-Senha combination, Tree Shade Therapy and Gynecological troubles

“They are waiting for bus. Nothing special.” My driver replied when I asked about village women sitting in shade of old tree. This was eighth time. Many times my driver says that you see every thing from one angle. He is right to some extent. Today I saw a product for tile cleaning. I read it as herbal cleaner but when I read the label carefully I found it Marble cleaner. Everywhere, day and night I think about herbs. In movie theatres, in films I take less interest in actor and actress and try to identify the plants in background. Many times I irritate from myself but unfortunately there is no herb available to stop me thinking about herbs.

“Are you sure?” I asked to the driver. He stopped the car and opened door of my side. “You can ask them directly about purpose of sitting under this tree.” He said. I walked to the village women. They were in large number. “Why you are sitting here? Any special purpose?” I asked.

“Yes, very special purpose. We were instructed by the Traditional Healers of nearby village to sit many hours under this tree before starting systematic treatment. Only women are allowed.” Many of them informed. I observed the tree carefully. It was old Mahua tree. When I reached to trunk I found another tree growing with same base. It was Senha tree. I have mentioned in previous research articles that Mahua and Senha both are popularly used in treatment of gynecological troubles. Both trees are used in Traditional Tree Therapy also. I decided to meet the Healers.

Patients in large number were waiting in front of Healer’s houses. I was informed that they are having expertise in treatment of gynecological troubles. They use herbs growing in surroundings and also cultivate many types of herbs in Badi and fields. “I am not a patient. I just want to meet the Healers. If it is not possible at this moment then I will come later.” I was discussing with his follower. “Please come Doctor Sahab, we are fortunate that you visited to our house.” An old man appeared from inside. He was the senior Healer. I tried to recognize but failed. “I have attended your class when you were in Kanker for Traditional Healers workshop. We are trying many of formulations suggested by you.” He said and I started recognizing him. He called other Healers and they decided to interact with me for many hours. “Please take care of your patients. I am going to forest for photography. In return I will come and then we will talk in detail.” I proposed after seeing the never ending queue of patients. They agreed.

“We are using Tree Shade Therapy quite commonly. We use different combinations for patients having different diseases. For gynecological troubles we prefer combination of Pipal. Mahua, Senha and Rohina. We have found that after this therapy when herbal combinations prepared from parts of these trees are given to patients, it acts in miraculous ways.” They informed during discussion at night. I suggested addition of Modgar and Saliha trees in this therapy especially when patients are old with poor vitality. Gums of both trees are used for these diseases in Traditional Healing. They assured me to try it in future. “We have seen such tree combinations in forest. We will try it as per your suggestion and also spread message about it.” They said.

“I have seen Mahua based many combinations but its combination with Senha is very rare. If you permit, I will inform about this combination to the Healers of far places so that they can suggest their patients to visit this spot.” I tried to take permission from them. “Everyone is welcomed. Suggest them to come on Wednesday and Friday. We allow our patients in rest of days except on Sunday. Sunday is free day for these trees.” They gave permission.

Through on-going survey I am trying my best to get information about such spots where useful trees grow naturally in such combinations.

© Pankaj Oudhia