Maneka Gandhi, Union Minister for Women and Child Development, released a book, ‘Sacred Plants of India’, on Saturday. Also seen are M.S. Swaminathan and Nanditha Krishna, author of the book -Photo: M. Vedhan

 Researchers in Italy have developed a machine that is able to transmit communication between two trees, said Maneka Gandhi, Union Minister for Women and Child Development,on Saturday. Talking after releasing a publication, ‘Sacred Plants of India’, at C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre (CPREE) in the city, she said a team of researchers in Damanhur, Italy, had developed the machine. When it was brought to India, the communication was not clear initially, but after a few attempts, researchers could hear something like ‘music, that varied from tree to tree’, she said. Many plants in the country have both medicinal and sacred values, which are still revered by people. Ms. Gandhi said she had done a lot of research on trees and brought out a publication in 1987. Sacred plants have medicinal, culinary and other values, which is why they are respected by people, said M.S. Swaminathan, chairman of CPREE.

The book is a combination of botany, religion, history and culture, he said. Sacred trees are part of Indian tradition, said Nanditha Krishna, author of the book. She said writing a book had become inevitable as trees are an integral part of her life.

Even CPREEE has a peepul tree, which is nearly 400 years old. “Our ancestors knew the importance of trees and hence they preserved them,” she said.

Many plants in the country have both medicinal and sacred values

Source : THE HINDU,  SUNDAY, JULY 13,2014 – CHENNAI

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/new-book-pays-tribute-to trees/article6205272.ece