THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A KHEJRI TREE
I am a Khejri tree, known scientifically as Prosopis cineraria.
I stand tall and silent in golden sand of Rajasthan, where the land is dry , the sun is harsh and rains are rare .
You may pass by me thinking I am just another desert tree but I hold centuries of stories, wisdom and silent sacrifices.
My story began long ago, when I was a tiny seed drifting in desert wind .
I don't know where I would land or whether I would survive.
But fate dropped me into patch of soil, and there, I began my journey.
It was not easy. The ground was dry, the was strong, and the water was rare .
But I did not give up. I sent my roots deep into the earth and slowly began to grow.
As years passed, I became stronger.
My branches stretched toward the sky. My trunk grew thick, my leafs whispered in the wind.
Birds, made nests in my branches.
Squirrels played on my trunk. Insects and small animal found shelter in me .
Even in hottest summer, when other plants died , I stayed green .
That's why people call me "Sanjharo" -the one who remains green even in drought.
Farmers see me as a friend.
They rest in my shade after working in the fields. I help the soil stay healthy and protect it from blowing away.
My pods, called sangri, are collected and used make tasty dishes like ker-sangri.
My leaves are food for goats and camels. My wood is used for cooking food.
Even in droughts, I give something to everyone.
I have seen many things in my life,
Children laughing and playing in under me, farmers praying for rain,
villager gathering for shade and rest.
am also a scared tree.
People tie threads around my trunk and pray.
The Bishnoi community protect me with great respect.
More than 350 years ago, a brave women named Amrita Devi gave her life to protect me.
Along with her, over 360 people sacrificed their in Khejri massacre.
That is why I'm not just a tree, I am a symbol of courage and nature's protector.
But now I am worried.
Many of my brothers and sisters are being cut down for roads and buildings.
People forget that I am a protector of desert life.
Even today I stand silently.
I wait for someone to sit under my shade and listen to my story.
I hope children like you will care for me and tell other how important I am.
Dear reader, I am more than just wood and leaves. I am tradition, life ,and survival.
I am Khejri tree - simple, strong and always giving
Kritika Vaishnav
Roll no. 826
Class 10
Session 2025-26
