Bihar: Gift a ‘pyaar ka paudha’ on Valentine’s Day

PATNA: In a bid to encourage young people to promote greenery, the department of environment, forest and climate change in Bihar has launched ‘Pyaar ka paudha (a plant of love)’ initiative on the eve of Valentine’s Day.
Deliberating upon the initiative, department’s principal secretary Dipak Kumar Singh said on Thursday: “It is to encourage people, especially the youth, who exchange roses and other gift items on Valentine’s Day. Gifting saplings would not just be eco-friendly but long lasting, too. Unlike roses, plants don’t dry up within a day or two.”
Available at a price of Rs120, the ‘pyaar ka paudha’ is being sold at different locations in the city. “Several varieties of saplings, including indoor plants, are being sold at Rajdhani Vatika, Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park (zoo) and Pataliputra park. People who wish to gift it can buy it for Rs120 along with a pot,” Singh said.
He added that the initiative aims at developing an emotional connect with saplings. “We intend to convey the message that relationships are also like plants. Saplings bear fruits and flowers and if the conditions are right, they can grow into a big tree. We want the youth to know that it’s the same with relationships as well,” he said.
Singh said the department will continue the initiative even after Valentine’s Day. “We have planned to set up stalls at other places,” he said.
Meanwhile, Patnaites lauded the initiative of gifting saplings to loved ones. “This is a very unique way of celebrating the day of love. Unlike roses, these plants will stay for a longer period,” said Snehal, a resident of Boring Road.
Kankarbagh resident Aayush Rajput said: “I always try to gift something productive to my partner on Valentine’s Day. There can’t be anything better than gifting a plant to someone I love and care about.”
Hansika of Kadamkuan said, “Being a plant lover, I always find excuses to buy one. With this initiative, I’ll get another reason to buy plants.”