Vadavannur Panchayat President Zakeer Hussain raised the national flag against the background of the historic tree Banyan in Vadavannur Vaidyasala. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
When India celebrated her 79th day of independence on Friday, a special opportunity meant a place called Vaidyasal in Vadavannura near Kollengode in the district. The inhabitants of Vadavannur Vaidyasala met to celebrate not one but two birthdays: India and the majestic Banyan tree set at midnight on August 15, 1947.
Under the auspices of Vaidyasala Arayal Samrakshan Samiti, a group of patriots led by P. Gopinatha Menon aka Santhakumar described a double celebration by mixing national pride with local heritage.
“It is a rare privilege to celebrate the freedom of India along with the timeless heritage of this tree,” said Mr. Menon. “I don’t know about any other place in India, where the nation’s birthday is celebrated next to a tree, which makes it a truly unique honor.”
He was Vadakkepatta Nair nair, a renowned Sanskrit scholar and Ayurveda, who planted the Banyan tree in Vaidyasale near Vadavannur at the post office at midnight on August 15, 1947.
To secure the historic tree Banyan, Vaidyasala Arayal samrakshan Samiti approached the Vadavannur Panchayat asking for a protective base. President Panchayat Zaeer Hussain immediately appreciated the application and built a robust foundation around the tree.
The son of Narayananan Naira, a veteran lawyer Madhusudhanan Nair, issued a Foundation Foundation a step further. He helped to transform a quiet place where people can relax, breathe into fresh oxygen of the tree and appreciate the legacy of the giant tree of freedom.
Mr. Nair started the celebrations by lighting the lamp. Mr. Husain raised the tricolor. In addition to the usual speeches of freedom, they also gave out sweets and promised to disappear next year on 80.
The village of Vadavannur wears another feathers in his cap: It is the native country of Tamil’s cinema and former main minister Tamil MG Ramacandran.
Over the last decade, Vaidyasala residents pay tribute to the Banyan tree and celebrate its importance. “It’s a constant source of inspiration for us,” said Mr. Menon.
Published – 16 August 2025 9:26
