Minister Parimal Suklabaidya felicitates “Oxygen Boy” Abhinav Deb; Urges Forest department to recommend his name for state-level recognition

300 done, 700 left. 9-year-old Abhinav Deb’s mission to plant 1000 trees has already attracted praise from all spheres. The former divisional forest officer Sunnydeo Choudhury called him the “Oxygen Boy”. The third standard student saw on news broadcast that the hospitals are finding it difficult to supply adequate amount of oxygen to save patients.

“If we plant trees, we can solve this problem,” he said and started his journey on 9th birthday. His parents Ajay Deb and Bulti Deb encouraged the ambition. Today, the kid was felicitated by Forest and Environment Minister of Assam. “I will urge the new DFO to write to the higher ups in the department so that we can felicitate him at the state level in Guwahati,” said Minister Parimal Suklabadiya.

“It is indeed inspirational that at this tender age, such a noble thought struck his mind. Appreciating his efforts of planting trees at the state level will encourage other kids. I thank his parents too. They have not taken a penny from the forest department and bought the saplings from their own savings. They have also invested in securing the saplings planted on either sides of the highway. It is a collective effort that is not only noble but also inspirational,” the Minister added.

The nine-year-old was also interviewed by the press and his innocent answers was a joyride for the press contingent. “Trees provide us shadows to rest, fruits to eat. Trees also play a vital role in maintaining the water level, temperature. I will request my friends to join me in planting trees for us to have a better future,” said the young boy.

Resident of Borjalenga area in Dholai Legislative Assembly constituency, Abhinav Deb’s father Ajay Deb is a businessman. His mother Bulti Deb is the Anchalik Panchayat of Borjalenga Gaon Panchayat. They started planting the saplings on July 2, 2021 and will continue to do so throughout the year.