Guwahati Citizens Launch 'Gosor Golpo' to Preserve City's Ancient Trees Through Stories
Guwahati faces rapid urban growth that often overshadows its natural treasures. A group of local residents has now started an inspiring project named 'Gosor Golpo', which translates to 'Stories of Trees'. This initiative aims to protect the city's green legacy by giving a voice to its oldest trees through the power of storytelling.
Bringing Trees to Life with Local Narratives
The project is still young but already making waves. It unites community members who carefully document and share the histories, origins, and cultural meanings of trees that have stood silently for decades. These trees dot neighborhoods, line roadsides, and grace school and college grounds. Many people walk past them every day without noticing, especially as new buildings rise around them.
Farida Sultana, a nature lover from Guwahati who helps run the initiative, explains their method. To uncover a tree's past, team members talk extensively with older residents who recall its early days. They capture these personal memories as oral stories, preserving the trees' historical footprints for future generations.
Reconnecting People with Their Green Heritage
'Gosor Golpo' organizes tree walks, storytelling events, and community meet-ups. These activities help reignite emotional bonds between people and the trees that shape Guwahati's shared memory. So far, the group has focused on three significant trees. One is a 75-year-old banyan tree, and the other two are rain trees believed to be over 200 years old. All three stand near Dighalipukhuri Park.
Beyond collecting spoken accounts, volunteers dig into old maps, archives, and records. They also interview elderly locals to weave together complete narratives about each tree. The stories then reach wider audiences online or in group discussions.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Documenting each tree's history is a slow, meticulous process. Farida notes it typically takes 10 to 15 days of research per tree. The work is tough because many seniors lack written documents, and some have relocated or passed away. The team actively seeks out individuals who can provide direct information or connect them with others knowledgeable about the trees' backgrounds.
Despite these hurdles, 'Gosor Golpo' represents a heartfelt effort to safeguard Guwahati's environmental heritage. As the city evolves, this initiative reminds residents that every old tree has a story worth telling and preserving.
