Interview of Fr. Ted Bowling SJ on historical development of “Green Cover” [series 3]

Interview of Fr. Ted Bowling SJ on historical development of “Green Cover” at De Nobili College, Pune, by Sch. Jaya Singh on 22^nd of February, 2019.

6.      As the diocese of Poona dedicates this year as “Year of Ecology-2019”, can you suggest some practical suggestions to promote eco-sentivity?

a.       Join hands with other “Eco-minded” persons to fight to keep existing Municipal and Cantonment Gardens open so that there are enough green areas to compensate for the amount of Carbon Dioxide from fossil fuels. Plan new gardens NOW in the ever growing city of Pune.

b.      Preach a Homily in the Church on the theme, “What messages are found in the Bible where trees are mentioned? This theme could well be explored as a valid “Master’s Thesis” in Theology.

c.       Put up sign boards on our roads that highlight the usefulness of trees, for instance, absorbing Carbon Dioxide from the atmosphere and emitting fresh Oxygen.

7.      What are the some challenges, you foresee in promoting ecological awareness?

a.       Failures of Architects and Builders to plan far enough ahead for trees, shrubs, and flowers in Housing Societies. They need the help of a landscape architect to do this properly, also failures of Builders to keep their promises.

b.      Scarcity of water because of the rapid rate in which the population of Pune is growing due to the reception of more and more villages into the city.

8.      Who are your models to plant trees?

a.       The Jesuit Brothers who planted:

i.                    The two rows of Gulmohar and Rain trees along the road from Nagar Road to our house entrance,

ii.                  The giant trees at the end of the stations of the cross saplings of which were brought here from underneath the trees of St. Xavier’s College Villa in Khandala,

iii.                The Rain Trees at present on the campus of the Papal Seminary Westward along the nala flowing with water. This was done in 1954, the year before the Papal Seminary shifted from Kandy to Pune. How big those Rain Trees are now.

b.      The Swiss Theologian one year ahead of me in theology who was as enthusiastic about planting trees as I was.

c.       Johnny Appleseed , the nickname of a pioneer who lived in the USA from 1774 to 1845, who earned that name from his fellow pioneers because of the ardent way he distributed apple seeds and sprouts in Central and Northern Ohio State.