Visitors to the famous Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh would know this Pipal tree (Ficus religiosa) well and may have enjoyed its shade.

This Pipal has a story.

A man named Gyan Singh from village Ramnagar Bhangimajre retired early from the army without a pension because he had contracted TB disease. Even after decades of marriage, he was not blessed with any children. He thought, "If there are no children, let me leave behind some nishani/legacy in the village,” and so he planted the Pipal tree.

After a few years, Gyan Singh passed away, but his father Nand Singh took care of his son's legacy as he would a 'grandson' and nurtured it.

Ramnagar Bhangimajre village was demolished for the development of Chandigarh. All the trees were being cut down to construct the bank of the lake , and finally, it was the turn of Gyan Singh's 'son'.

It was good luck that Kulwant Singh Alapur, who was working in the construction team, knew the story of this Pipal as he was a grandson of Ramnagar village.

He got the map of the lake adjusted in such a way, that this Pipal tree was saved. From that day till today, this Pipal is standing firm and the 'ageless son' of Gyan Singh lives on.

So, plant your own tree, and leave a legacy that will serve generations to come