If we regard our dear country, Bharat, as a resplendent, juicy, ever-giving, ever-protecting, ever-loving, ever-growing society, then I think the jackfruit, and its mighty tree, stands tall as our symbol.
- It grows tall, strong and sturdy.
- It has large and beautiful leaves in plenty.
- It provides dense shade.
- It produces countless fruits, all easy to reach!
- Its fruits are fragrant and most iviting, yet well-protected by a thick covering.
- To break open the jackfruit is an elaborate ritual, a veritable Yajna.
- Each fruit is so succulent and massive in appearance - simply irresistible.
- Elephants, bears, monkeys, men, all crave jackfruit. Elephants in reserve forests raid estates to feed on jackfruits.
- See the pic - this single crop would give maybe 1500 fruit pieces... Can feed a congregation in a temple!
- Jackfruit grows in large gardens in estates, farms and temples... absorbing the true spirit of people who live to share, give, play, laugh and love.
- Most Indian musical instruments, especially percussion, are made of jackfruit wood.
- A great mridangam maestro said that the jackfruit tree absorbs the sacred chants and bell sounds during temple processions and festivals. That is why the jackwood gives such resonance to musical instruments.
- The jackfruit is consumed as a fruit, as a vegetable, and made into dessert, payasam, curry, papad, pickle, ice cream and so on. Its thick outer layer is loved by cattle. Its fruits contain big, beautiful seeds, holding the promise of the next generation of trees.
- The jackfruit tree outlives generations. It is thus passed on as a tradition.
- When I enter the large estate of a happy family with a thriving jackfruit tree, I feel the jackfruit truly symbolises the cultural tradition of the family, our society and our country!
