New neem project

The project, Greening of India With Neem, was launched in Poona on March 7, 2010, by Prakash Thosre, director of social forestry of Maharashtra state and Perin Fitter, the Global 500 Laureate of the United Nations Environment Pro­gram­me, as part of the Nowrosji Wadia College platinum jubilee celebrations. Both Thosre and Fitter are alumni of the College. Fitter, who is known as Mama Neem in Kenya where she resides, has set up the The Kenya Neem Foundation for the use of neem for poverty alleviation in that country (see "Nature’s own pharmacy,” Zoroastrians Abroad, Parsiana, August 7, 2007). She gives credit for her success to Indian neem scientists and industrialists who have extended support and guidance over the years, as per a write-up received from her by Parsiana.

Perin Fitter and Prakash Thosre launch neem project in Poona

In June this year Thosre was to conduct a unique program stretching over every part of Maharashtra for a period of one month during which neem trees would be planted on bare hillsides, neem seeds sowed and awareness created on the value of this versatile tree.

Fitter is thankful to industrialist Nadir Godrej for his donation of Rs 20,000 to help partly defray the expenses for her current trip to India and to Dr K. S. Hegde, managing director of T. Stanes and Company for sponsoring her trip to Coimbatore to participate in the conference on climate change organized by Dr K. Murugan of Bharatiar University. During her visit, neem trees were planted at the Stanes Secondary School. Fitter is also thankful to her 94-year-old mother and sisters for their key role in enabling her to serve the poor and needy through her chosen field of work.

Determined to "green India with neem,” Fitter requires funding of at least two lakh rupees a year for this long-term project to help cover the cost of travel, accommodation and the purchase of neem seedlings. With generous donor support she and Thosre hope to carry out their green mission. Cheques made in the name of "Perin Fitter” may be sent to her C/o Nergish Z. Batliwala, 10 Bhalachandra Niwas, 178/A Bhala-chandra Road, Near Laud Clinic, Hindu Colony, Dadar (East), Bombay 400014; mobile: 9819881322.