The Asian University for Women (AUW) launched a large-scale Palmyra palm plantation drive on its main campus recently under the university’s Green Bangle Project, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability, culture and climate resilience.
More than 2,300 seeds of the Palmyra palm, locally known as Tal Gachh, were planted by students, faculty, staff, and teaching fellows in a spirited campaign that blended environmental action with cultural symbolism.
“The Palmyra Palm is not just a tree, it’s a bridge between our culture and climate resilience,” said Shaika Mohammad Chowdhury, Assistant Project Manager of the Green Bangle Project, who led the event under the direction of Dr. Mosae SelvaKumar Paulraj, Associate Professor of Environmental Sciences.
Known for its drought tolerance and deep-rooted stability, the Palmyra palm plays a vital ecological role in South Asia. Its extensive root system helps prevent soil erosion and protects coastal regions from flooding. Its tall, solitary trunk often acts as a natural lightning rod — saving lives of people and livestock in lightning-prone areas.
Culturally, the tree carries centuries of significance: its fruits and sap serve as traditional foods, while its durable leaves are used for thatching and crafts, linking communities to Bangladesh’s indigenous and sustainable heritage.
Participants also revisited trees planted in previous years, including those from 2019, expressing delight that “most of the Palmyra plants are cute and growing well,” a sign of AUW’s long-term environmental commitment.
Inspired by the late Kenyan Nobel laureate Wangarĩ Maathai’s Green Belt Movement, AUW’s Green Bangle initiative aims to instill environmental awareness and unity through community-led action.
The university thanked all its “Plantation Warriors” for their contributions, reinforcing the project’s motto: “Together, we grow greener, stronger, and more connected to our roots.”
