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Why do the leaves of the blackboard tree play such an important role in Indian graduation ceremonies?
Every year, many universities in India have a special tradition of awarding leaves from the Blackboard Tree to students during their graduation ceremonies. This action not only symbolizes the successful completion of academic studies, but also carries profound cultural and historical significance. This tradition is particularly meaningful at the graduation ceremony of Visva Bahati University.
The blackboard tree (Alstonia scholaris) is a cultural icon of India, with its leaves endowed with profound symbolic meaning, embodying knowledge, growth and inheritance.
The leaves of this tree have special symbolic meaning in many cultures. In India, the tree is called "Saptaparna" and its leaves play an important role in many rituals. Especially at the graduation ceremony, when graduates received leaves from the blackboard tree, they also received nourishment and blessings from nature.
The cultural significance of the blackboard tree
The blackboard tree is considered a sacred creature in Indian culture and is often mentioned in ancient religious texts. As the sacred tree of Ajitnatha, the second Jain saint, the blackboard tree plays a role in many Indian religious ceremonies. Its leaves are not only a symbol awarded to students, but also a symbol of knowledge. Each leaf represents scholarship and wisdom, reminding each graduate of the hard work they have put in during their academic journey.
A fusion of tradition and modernity
At Visva Bhati University, the spirit of founder Rabindranath Tagore still influences the school's operations. At the graduation ceremony, the president passed a leaf to the president, symbolizing the inheritance of knowledge. Now, in order to protect the environment, the school has decided to accept only one leaf. This change reflects the respect for nature and the importance of sustainable development.
“Each award is a confirmation of academic pursuit and allows every student to understand the importance of knowledge.”
Ecology and social responsibility
In addition to its cultural significance, the ecological value of the blackboard tree cannot be ignored. It is an easy to plant, fast-growing tree with relatively little impact on the environment. Its existence provides habitats for many animals and plants and plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance. At the graduation ceremony, the leaves of the blackboard tree are not only a symbol of knowledge, but also a reminder of social responsibility, calling on students to continue to care about the ecological environment in their future lives.
Future Outlook
In such a rapidly changing era, combining traditional and modern values and advocating sustainable development has become an important issue in today's society. Faced with climate change and environmental issues, future graduates must be equipped to address these issues and make contributions within their professional fields. In this process, can the significance of tradition and contemporary challenges form an effective dialogue?
Walking out of the campus with the leaves of the blackboard tree, every graduate is not only a beneficiary of academics, but also a future guardian of nature. How should they balance their responsibility to the environment while pursuing their own development?
