SPB Vanam, Pachapalayam

Rapid urbanization and population explosion have increased urban sprawl leading to the depletion of forest cover. Coimbatore, known for its salubrious climate and green cover, underwent a major transition with all the trees along major transit roads being axed. From 2001 to 2021, Coimbatore lost 1.09kha of tree cover, equivalent to a 1.3% decrease in tree cover since 2000, and 539kt of CO₂e emissions. Over the years, the people of Coimbatore  could  feel  the  change  in  the  climate  and  reduction  in  water  availability caused by groundwater depletion. Siruthuli realized the need to intensify efforts to increase green cover in the region, expand lung space, improve soil and aid in the overall ecosystem.

Over the last several years, many initiatives have been taken along with various organizations to increase green cover. Shri S.P Balasubramanyam, Padma Bhushan Awardee, was a singer who left an indelible mark in the field of music, his demise created a huge void in the hearts of hundreds of music lovers. During his last virtual music program he had specifically mentioned that COVID is a price we are paying for abusing Mother Earth, he encouraged listeners to participate in eco-conservation. In response to this, Siruthuli along with Perur Chettipalayam panchayat launched SPB Vanam , having a pathway in the shape of a treble clef musical note having 74 trees of 21 varieties commemorating 74 glorious years of the legendary singer. The unique feature of the project is that the trees from whose wood musical instruments are made are considered. 14 varieties of trees used for musical instruments like rosewood, red sanders, neem, silver oak, vengai, teak, bamboo, panruti jackfruit, sandal, mango, ebony, and mahogany were sourced to add a musical flavour. 5 varieties of Sthala Vrikshams found in heritage temples like Kadamba, Marudham, Mahizham, Nagalingam, Vanni and Vilvam and trees symbolic to his birth star Punnai and Shenbagam were considered so he would live on through the trees and the birds that visit the vanam sing lullabies in a perfect tribute to the musical legend. Shri SPB Charan and Smt SPB Sailaja sent video messages supporting the initiative as they could not participate in person due to COVID restrictions.

The stage was set for 10th December 2020 with all arrangements made. The Chief Guest of the event was Padma Shri Awardee, Mr Vivekh – Actor and Founder of Green Kalam (Sai Prasanna Foundation) who inaugurated the Vanam along with Shri Ettimadai A Shanmugam, Member of Legislative assembly from Kinathukadavu Constituency. Mr Vivekh who has been a supporter and has been associated with Siruthuli in several of the initiatives spoke at the event appreciating Siruthuli's effort to increase the green cover of the region and commemorating Siruthuli for becoming a Peruvellam now. He appreciated the efforts undertaken by Siruthuli in revamping a sewage ridden Periyakulam into an admirable lake today. Mr. Vivekh recollected the incident when our Former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam asked him to start a green initiative to plant trees. Clueless on where to start, the Late President’s office directed him to seek the support of Siruthuli. Siruthuli provided 1 Lakh saplings to Green Kalam NGO and helped them flag off their green journey. He lauded the unique idea of tree saplings and the Treble Clef design conceptualised by Siruthuli for the Vanam. This project was executed with ease with the support of the members of Perur Chettipalayam Panchayat, the youth of Pachapalayam village and the Officers Colony Residents Welfare Association. The local community have taken up the responsibility for the project and has promised to nurture the saplings. Today 74 saplings of 21 varieties of trees stand tall in the Vanam to commemorate SPB’s 74 golden years.

It is with a joyful heart that we firmly believe that SPB will live on among us through these trees , birds and bees that will be humming along with the legend!