Dear Members of the Columban family,

This year, 2011, Delhi completes a hundred years as the National Capital. Situated at the beautiful and strategic confluence of the Delhi Ridge(which offers protection) and the Yamuna River(which provides water, critical for survival), Delhi has been a capital of choice since ancient, even mythological times! These landscape features are, until date, the lifelines of Delhi, though we have often taken them for granted. Let this Centenary serve as a "wake-up" call for all of us to appreciate the importance of this national heritage and the ecosystem services they provide us.

The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests to increase our awareness of the need for sustainable management conservation and development of all types of forests. The idea is to celebrate forests for people! We in Delhi are very fortunate to have the Ridge and the tapering end of the Aravali hills which have blessed our city with some splendid city forests ensuring good tree cover.

We owe it to our selves and future generations of society to join hands with like-minded groups to promote the growth and sustainable development of our forests..

Br. L. D. Lobo cfc
(Principal)