In November of 2024, the UUCC received an amazing gift, a sculpture created by well known artist and UUCC member, Charles Pilkey. The sculpture, titled Amrita Devi, was first introduced to the congregation at the service on Sunday, November 24. We are immensely grateful to Charles for not only donating such a beautiful and valuable piece of art to the UUCC, but also for the thought he put into the donation as it honors the values and mission that we strive to.

Next time you are at the UUCC, take a look. The sculpture is located next to the Memorial Garden on the Hardwick Rd side of the building.

In the meantime, you can learn more about the sculpture and its meaning below. And you can find out more information about Charles and his work here: www.technozoicdreams.com.

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AMRITA DEVI

Years ago, when I chanced upon the story of Amrita Devi, of how she led a revolt of impoverished villagers in 18th century India to stop a king from cutting down their sacred forest, I was stunned … felt obliged to commemorate the story in steel and bronze. Amrita devised a plan to save the forest from the king’s woodcutters by encouraging her friends to wrap their arms around the trees. Alas … over 360 villagers were chopped to death (including Amrita and her daughters) until the king finally relented and stopped the logging. But the trees they saved are still alive today and Amrita’s sacrifice would engender India’s 20th century Chipko (tree hugging) Movement and inspire environmentalists everywhere.

Creativity is a most salient feature of our species, but one that carries a heavy moral burden, for depending on intent it can be employed for benevolent or destructive purposes. Yet history is replete with examples of small communities that when bonded by moral courage and guided by creative thinking did much to advance social justice and the rights of nature. Creativity … never underestimate its power to heal the wounds of a broken world.