More than 500 people from all ages participated in the “Run to Reforest” or R2 run organised by The Entrepreneurs Associates (tEA) as part of its prominent initiative “Trees for Wealth” on Saturday. Commencing from High School junction the runners went through secretariat and culminated at IG stadium. They received the blessings of president of Chakhesang Baptist Churches Council, Rev Dr Vevo Phesao.
The run was officially flagged off by Er. Lanu Toy, a distinguished 97-year-old Naga elder and Technocrat at High School Junction at 6 a.m. Er. Lanu spoke on the significance of propagating trees and how the R2 Run will serve as a source of great encouragement for everyone to do the same. Er. Lanu said that as the former Chief Electrical Engineer of Nagaland and in various other capacities, he always initiated tree plantations in all project areas to nurture the environment.
CEO of tEA and the brains behind the Trees for Wealth Movement (TfW), Neichute Doulo spoke on the significance of the R2 Run. He elaborated on the ultimate objective of TfW i.e., to plant 1 billion fruit trees and 2 billion non-fruit trees by 2050. He said R2 run was the first of its kind with runners committing to support tree plantation and reforestation of the land.
Encouraging the participants to support the cause, he said the tree plantation exercise does not just positively impact climate change but also will trigger a trillion rupees economy in the future, through the promotion of ancillary activities. The TfW has so far planted 7 lakh fruit trees with the support of patrons, well-wishers and CSRs, the CEO informed pointing out that TfW was definite illustration of what can be achieved through collective community participation.
Speaking at the prize distribution ceremony, executive director of tEA, Neikule Doulo emphasized how Nagas have been good keepers of the environment in the past and how scientific environmental practices such as pollarding, in rural areas even today reflect community knowledge and wisdom. Advocating that “we must learn from our heritage” she encouraged the students and participants to take learnings from the past into the future.
Dr. Dietho-o Yhoshu, general physician and a former MLA also described the R2 Run as a “creative and imaginative community event” and further addressed the need to nurture a green environment to improve the quality of life.
Neiketu Iralu, a social analyst, who delivered keynote address applauded tEA for nurturing innovation and inspiring doable initiatives that were inclusive of everybody. He urged the young and old to be united through this event and mentioned R2 Run as the beginning of healing for our homeland.
A special number was performed by Ale Thele, the social media associate of tEA.
The ceremony culminated with each of the elders planting an acorn in a hollow tree trunk as a symbolic act of unleashing a tree plantation in Nagaland. A thanksgiving prayer was offered by Rev. H Moba Konyak, pastor, Konyak Baptist Church, Kohima.
Winners of the R2 run
PROFESSIONAL
Winner – Wede T. Mero (32:06), 1st Runner Up – Nokching Chang 2nd Runner Up – Shiangjiu T. Khiamniugan
Consolation Prizes:Tsole Yhokha; Phonyei Konyak; Lepenthe Yamphar; Hampao M.; Cuvoto Medeo
COLLEGE CATEGORY
Winner- Kelengoto Kulnu (36:30), 1st Runner Up- Shosii Pohena, 2nd Runner Up- Chunchanglungbou Newmai
Consolation: Sorito Yimchunger; Thejakhriesalie Mechulhou; Liehe Wezah; Jeet Bahadur; Kezhakhrietuo Mere
UNDER SCHOOL CATEGORY
Winner: Kughaho Swu; 1st Runner Up- Thejangulie Sote; 2nd Runner Up – Thejanguzo Pfukha
Consolation: Vikerhe Pienyu; Lemchiu Y. Khiamniungan; Peyan H; Kikrushituo Kezo; Aneizo Phewhuo
UNDER 12
Winner- Liitii; 1st Runner Up – Thejasesi Soukhrie; 2nd Runner Up- Pelevotuo Zumu
Women – Cekrotalu Khesoh
Oldest Participant- Sungjemnochet; 2nd Oldest Participant- L. Alongba
Youngest Participant- Pfope Doulo; 2nd Youngest Participant- Vemetseinuo Tepa