The 'Green Warriors' of GCE were very much in evidence -  a piece of land was earmarked for a new building and included a very old, fruit bearing tree (Ilandhai), loaded with sweet berries;  all foundation work was stopped on representation from the Principal and the office. I'm sure that the trees that house the vriksha devathas bless the institution with the goodness of their shade, flowers, fruits and happy rustle in the breeze. 


My heart was filled with happiness that the tree and two other huge punga trees, enveloping the admin block near the office with their benevolent shady branches were saved from greedy predators. Already, during the recent hurricane last rainy season, large, old trees fell down and were cleared overnight and the University authorities nearby cleared massive lots of tree covered lands for their buildings. The Highways caused enough damage when the Highway was widened six years ago.

It's almost as if, little by little, right before one's eyes, a treasure is being taken away.