For 85-year-old N.G. Kesari, a resident of Bengaluru, a tree crashing down during a storm turned out to be anything but bad news. A roughly 40-year-old sandalwood tree that had stood in the courtyard of his house came crashing down in heavy rain and gusty winds, and that very tree made him richer by about Rs 28 lakh almost overnight. On top of that, the state government honoured him with the 'Sandalwood Shiromani' award for years of patiently protecting and nurturing the tree.
A sandalwood sapling that grew on its own
About four decades ago, a sandalwood sapling sprouted on its own in the courtyard of Kesari's home. He had neither planted it nor planned to cultivate it, but he began watering and tending to the tiny plant anyway. Over the years, it grew into a massive, sturdy sandalwood tree whose fragrance began spreading through the surrounding area.
Its fragrance also attracted timber thieves
As the tree grew bigger and more fragrant, it increasingly caught the attention of timber thieves looking to steal the valuable wood. Sensing the risk, Kesari had a sturdy iron cage built around the tree to keep it safe from any harm, a precaution that would later prove extremely valuable.
A neighbouring tree crashed onto it during a storm
This June, Bengaluru witnessed heavy rain and a fierce storm, during which a large tree standing nearby fell onto the sandalwood tree. The impact brought the decades-old sandalwood tree crashing down as well. But instead of treating it as a loss, Kesari immediately followed the rules and informed the forest department.
Inspection at the Mysuru depot put its weight at nearly a tonne
After receiving the forest department's permission, the fallen sandalwood tree was sent to the government sandalwood depot in Mysuru. An inspection there revealed that the tree weighed close to one tonne, making it an exceptionally valuable find.
Karnataka Soaps and Detergents bought it for Rs 28 lakh
The sandalwood was later purchased by Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited, earning Kesari a net profit of about Rs 28 lakh.
Years of care rewarded with the Sandalwood Shiromani honour
Beyond the money, Kesari's years of protecting and conserving the sandalwood tree earned him the state government's 'Sandalwood Shiromani' award. The honour recognises his patience and his personal commitment to safeguarding the tree.
