The "Banyan Tree", in our opinion, is symbolic for what families are all about. This tree itself is formidable: It grows huge, is immensely stable and eventually turns into a stately monument, outlasting and out powering the plants in its vicinity.

The intricate network of the tree's branches and roots spread in all directions. Sprouts appear from all over, aerial roots grow from above and reach towards the ground, eventually attaining it and turning into trunks in their own right. Each limb - like an individual - seeks independence and stability, each trunk - like a family - establishes its' own roots, yet they belong together as a whole. The tree offers shelter and shade to those that seek it, and even offers solace to the ailing!

It is like our family with roots spread all over. It indeed is like our family with many an offshoot, all of which eventually subsist on their own, allowing for closeness, whilst maintaining their own identity.

The Banyan Tree is a tropical Indian fig tree (Ficus benghalensis), and has many a use.