The Department of Music, Martin Luther Christian University, organized a tree plantation program on 29 August 2025 at the Umsawli Campus. The initiative aims to promote environmental awareness while preserving indigenous knowledge related to Khasi traditional musical instruments.

This unique program focused on planting Gmelina arborea (locally known as Laphiang or Laphing), a wood species commonly used in crafting instruments such as the duitara, bom, and ksing.

The objectives of the initiative are threefold:

• Educate students on the importance of sustainable sourcing of materials for traditional instrument-making.
• Foster environmental responsibility among music students.
• Ensure a long-term supply of quality wood by planting and maintaining trees that will benefit future generations of instrument makers.

The plantation was carried out by the 1st Semester Undergraduate students of the Department of Music, Batch 2025. Initially, seedlings are being nurtured in a nursery, and the Department will coordinate with university administration to transplant them in suitable campus locations once matured. Care for the saplings will be entrusted to successive student batches, encouraging continuity in stewardship.

This program not only strengthens the link between music and nature but also underlines the University’s commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation.