In the wake of the release of the morphed video made against His Divine Holiness Paramahamsa Nithyananda, the main conspirators made absurd and unsubstantiated claims that illegal activities were going on inside the Aadheenam. Many false news were cooked and gained speed amongst media channels. The issue regarding sandalwood storage inside the Aadheenam is one example.
Sandalwood
The Indian sandalwood tree (Santalaum album) is perhaps the planet’s most expensive wood, because of its cosmetic and therapeutic value. There is huge international demand for it, with its fragrant heartwood priced at over Rs. 10,000 a kilo. India and Australia are the leading producers of sandalwood in the world. In the 1960s, India produced almost 4,000 MT of sandalwood. This is significant given the international demand was 6,000-7,000 MT per annum. Sandalwood is in high demand in countries like India, China, Japan, Taiwan and the US. But the current production across the world accounts for only one-fourth of the global market demand. This has resulted in smuggling and theft of sandalwood by smugglers. Short supply coupled with high demand led to a steep rise in sandalwood prices between 2002 to 2007. Over exploitation has damaged the wood resulting in a complete ban in many countries.
Law regarding Sandalwood Trees
Growing sandalwood by individuals was banned until 2002. Today, we can grow the trees but it is illegal to cut and harvest the wood, use it or sell it in the open market. Permission is required from the state Forest department, which sends its officials to cut the tree and buy the sandalwood. Such restrictions dissuade most people from growing sandalwood trees. There is also a security threat, as sandalwood trees are scarce and might attract unwanted attention (specially from smugglers).
Because of these restrictions, 90 per cent of sandalwood trees have been lost and soon, these trees may become endangered while other countries grow and export sandalwood freely. For conservation and prevention of over exploitation of the tree there are several legislations passed in various parts of the world. Likewise, in Karanataka, Section 87 (1) of the Karnataka Forest Act, 1963 talks about the process of “Licence for possession storage, sale or disintegration of Sandalwood.”
What happened in 2010 that led to a series of newspapers and TV channels raising false allegations regarding Sandalwood trees
During the wake of the morphed video, it was being falsely projected by the media that the ashram was breaking law by illegally storing sandalwood which is a restricted activity and requires a license. The media reported that sandalwood was seized from the ashram and was being kept there illegally.
Whereas the reality was, Sandalwood trees had been naturally growing in and around the ashram for several decades. However, thieves had cut some trees and left them on the property. The incident was informed to the Forest department, which ignored it as a minor issue.
Media distorted the facts and wrote a fabricated tale
In the wake of the media frenzy surrounding the false video, the Forest department instigated by Anti-Hindu elements also took the opportunity to put a false case on His Divine Holiness for the sake of harassment.
Following is the Notice from the Forest Department to His Divine Holiness
Sandalwood 34/2010-11
Assistant Forest Officer
Ramnagara Sub Division
Date: 26.4.2010
Notice
To,
Paramahamsa Nithyananda
33 years, Nithyananda Dhyanapeeta
Nithyanandapuri, Bangalore – Mysore Highway
Bidadi Ramnagara Taluk, Jilla
Subject: Regarding Nithyananda ashram possessing 70 kg of sandalwood enquiry and attendance for enquiry
Details:
- Ramnagara area forest crime No.: 30/2009 dt. 03.03.2010
- U/A Sum Ramnagar letter No.: A2/FOC 30/KV-30/2009-10/31D 16/4/2010
With relation to above subject, Ramnagar area forest officers on 03.03.2010 according to Karnataka Act 1963 and Rule 1969 have filed a case No. 30/2009. For this, on date 07.04.2010, you need to be present in the court with the documents of possessing 70KG sandalwood.
Assistant Forest Officer
Subdivision Ramanagar
Ramnagar
The notice was served summoning His Divine Holiness for the case of the fallen sandal tree which event was a natural occurrence which was even reported to the Forest department but they had said no action required.
Response of His Divine Holiness to the summons:
Sandalwood 34/2010-11
Date: May 14 2010
Nithyananda Dhyanapeeta
Nithyanandapuri, Kallugopahalli,
Off Mysore Road,
Bidadi, Bangalore-562109
To,
Assistant Forest Officer
Ramnagara Sub Division
Subject: Regarding Nithyananda ashram possessing 70 kg of sandalwood enquiry and attendance for enquiry
Details:
Ramnagara area forest crime No.: 30/2009
With relation to the above subject, we received a letter (enclosed) dated 26 April 2010, asking for Sri Nithyananda Swami to be present on 17 May 2010. Sri Nithyananda Swami is in judicial custody and hence cannot be present as told by the Forest department.
We would hence like to request a date in June.
Thanking you
Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam
