On World Environment Day, June 5, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, a unique initiative aimed at combining environmental conservation with a heartfelt tribute to mothers. The campaign was introduced with a symbolic gesture of planting a Peepal tree at Buddha Jayanti Park in Delhi. Modi emphasized the importance of collective action to combat environmental challenges, aligning the campaign with India’s broader goal of sustainable development.
The campaign urges participants to plant a tree in the name of their mother, combining a personal tribute with an impactful environmental effort. This gesture mirrors the nurturing and life-sustaining roles of both mothers and trees. The initiative has garnered widespread public engagement, underscoring the pressing need for environmental preservation while allowing individuals to create lasting, symbolic memories.
80 Crore Seedlings Planted
By September 2024, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) announced the completion of its ambitious goal to plant 80 crore seedlings under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. The target was met on September 25, 2024, five days ahead of schedule, thanks to the collaborative efforts of various government agencies, local communities, and public participation.
World Record of 5 Lakh Saplings Planted in One Hour
A significant milestone was achieved on September 22, 2024, when the 128 Infantry Battalion and the Ecological Task Force of the Territorial Army planted over 5 lakh saplings in just one hour. This accomplishment was part of a “Special Plantation Drive” held in Jaisalmer under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, which also aimed to promote ecological restoration and environmental awareness. The event was verified and certified by the World Book of Records, London, which provisionally awarded several world records, including:
Most saplings planted by a team in one hour.
Most saplings planted by a team of women in one hour.
Largest number of people planting saplings simultaneously at a single venue.
This feat exemplified the campaign’s message, reinforcing the idea that those who protect trees, in turn, protect the environment for future generations.
Collective Efforts Across Ministries
The success of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign can be attributed to widespread participation across multiple government ministries, all of which launched their own tree-planting initiatives in support of the cause.
On August 15, 2024, the Ministry of Defence took the lead by planting 15 lakh trees nationwide through the Indian Armed Forces, Defence Public Sector Units (PSUs), and National Cadet Corps (NCC). This initiative, held on India’s Independence Day, added significant momentum to the campaign.
Similarly, the Ministry of Coal organized a plantation drive at Millennium Park, as part of its ongoing environmental sustainability efforts. With extensive tree-planting initiatives carried out by Coal and Lignite PSUs, the ministry contributed to reducing carbon footprints in mining areas.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting also actively participated, planting approximately 7,000 trees across urban and rural locations nationwide. This effort, timed with the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign, highlighted the government’s commitment to accelerating tree planting efforts, particularly during the period from September 17 to October 1, 2024.
Other ministries and prominent government figures also embraced the campaign. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, planted an Amla sapling in memory of his mother, emphasizing the personal and environmental significance of the campaign. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare launched a virtual event in collaboration with the National Institute for Agricultural Extension Management, further promoting tree planting efforts.
Additional efforts came from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, led by Shri Harsh Malhotra, who participated in a plantation drive in New Delhi. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, under Shri Jayant Chaudhary, oversaw the planting of over 11,000 trees across its various institutions, emphasizing environmental awareness alongside skill development.
Technological Support: The ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ App
To facilitate public participation, the Ministry of Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region launched the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ mobile application. This app allows individuals to plant and dedicate a tree in honor of their mothers, with features like image uploads, location tagging, and carbon credit tracking. Users can also monitor the growth of their planted trees over time, fostering continuous engagement with environmental protection efforts.
The app’s user-friendly interface and social media sharing options aim to inspire a wider audience to join this meaningful campaign.
Conclusion
The ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative reflects India’s growing commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection. By combining a deep personal tribute to mothers with tangible efforts to combat deforestation and climate change, the campaign has successfully mobilized citizens across the country. With 80 crore seedlings already planted and the active participation of multiple government ministries, the initiative is a testament to the power of collective action in safeguarding the environment for future generations.
As the campaign continues to grow, it serves as a reminder that protecting nature is not only a responsibility but also a tribute to those who nurture life—our mothers and the planet.
Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change