The Jaffna Medical Association (JMA), in collaboration with the Students’ Wellbeing Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna, successfully organized a Tree (Indian Gooseberry) planting Ceremony on 26th of March 2025 in the Garden, Faculty of Medicine as part of the “Green Project 2025”.
Maintaining an eco-friendly environment within the faculty premises is essential not only for promoting environmental sustainability but also for enhancing the well-being of medical students. The faculty garden plays a vital role in this effort by providing fresh, nutritious fruits that improves the physical health of students. Beyond nutrition, the active participation of medical students in gardening activities fosters mental relaxation, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility, contributing to their overall well-being. In addition, the involvement of community members in these activities strengthens the relationship between the faculty and the surrounding community. Uniquely, this garden also serves as a living laboratory, where beneficial plants are cultivated and studied to identify their potential uses and advantages. Especially planting amla (Indian gooseberry) can help to support the livelihoods of women-led families by providing opportunities for income generation.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of Dr. Aru Thirumurugan, Founder of Sivapoomi Trust, Prof. R. Surenthirakumaran, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, council members of JMA, academic and non-academic staff of the Faculty of Medicine, volunteers for the Healthy Diet Programme, Faculty of Medicine and students, all of whom contributed to the significance of the event.
Dr. B. Sayanthan, Senior Lecturer, Department Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Council member of JMA initiated the event by highlighting the objectives of the Green Project 2025. As part of this initiative, the goal is to plant 1,000 Indian gooseberry (Amla) trees across the Jaffna Peninsula within a year, with sponsorship from the Jaffna Medical Association. The first step of this initiative commenced with the planting of six Indian gooseberry trees in the Garden of the Faculty of Medicine.
Dr. Aru Thirumurugan, Founder of Sivapoomi Trust expressed his appreciation for the project and conveyed his willingness to support it in the future.
Prof. R. Surenthirakumaran, Dean, Faculty of Medicine congratulated the organizing team and emphasized the significance of the initiative in fostering environmental sustainability
Dr. Sasikaran, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon elaborated on the numerous benefits of planting Indian gooseberry trees and introduced the name “Nakarvanam” for this initiative, which aims to enhance green cover through afforestation. Additionally, he mentioned a plan to donate five Indian gooseberry trees to women-led families to
support their livelihoods, mentioning that a single tree has the potential to generate an income of Rs. 25,000 over a period of three months. He also highlighted the “Save the Tree” project, which focuses on developing a sustainable green layer for the future.
Following the speeches, Dr. Aru Thirumurugan, Founder of Sivapoomi Trust, Prof. R. Surenthirakumaran, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, JMA council members,(Dr.M.Navaneethan,Consultant,Intensivist,Dr.S.Sasikaran,Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr.M.Aravinthan, Consultant Endocrinologist, Dr.B.Sayanthan, Consultant Paediatrics Surgeon,) Mr.T.Athiyaman, Deputy Registrar, Faculty of Medicine , Medical students actively participated in planting the trees.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. S. Sivaranjani, Secretary of the Jaffna Medical Association.
