The enduring friendship between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is symbolized by a unique tradition of tree planting at Rajghat in New Delhi. This tradition underscores the deep-rooted sustainability partnership between the two nations.
The tradition began in 1992 when Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding father, planted an Amaltas (Cassia Fistula) sapling during his visit to India. This gesture was a significant symbol of the UAE’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its relationship with India.
In 2016, Sheikh Zayed’s son, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the current President of the UAE, continued this tradition by planting a Molshri (Mimusops Elengi) sapling. This act reinforced the UAE’s commitment to nurturing its relationship with India and advancing shared values of environmental stewardship.
Recently, the Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan planted an Amaltas sapling, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. This marks the first occasion in Rajghat’s history where three generations of leaders from a single nation have honored the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi through tree planting.
This ongoing tradition reflects the profound and evolving bond between India and the UAE, highlighting their mutual dedication to sustainability and environmental preservation. The act of planting trees at Rajghat stands as a powerful symbol of the enduring partnership and shared values that define the relationship between the two countries.