On World Environment Day alone, SOS Children’s Villages India conducted a national plantation drive that oversaw the planting of over 5,000 saplings throughout its various centres across India (Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and everywhere in between) & community infrastructure.

Over 32 locations participated in this activity, encompassing SOS Children’s Village homes, each centre’s Family Strengthening Programme participants, children, caregivers, staff members, and the local communities surrounding each location. In addition to the participants at each location, the activity was in conformance with this year’s World Environment Day theme, “Inspired By Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.” 

According to SOS Children’s Villages India, the saplings planted included fruit-bearing, medicinal, indigenous and climate-resilient varieties such as neem, moringa, mango, gooseberry, guava, lemon, jackfruit and custard apple.

The locations of the plantations are vast, from Jammu & Kashmir to Tamil Nadu to Gujarat to Assam. Latur had the most saplings planted at a total of over 2,000.

In Shillong, SOS Children’s Villages India collaborated with local agencies and government bodies to distribute saplings for caregivers to plant in their residential areas. The focus for educational institutions in Shillong was planting medicinal and edible wild tree species.

There are several Indigenous and fruiting plants placed in the following regions, which are appropriate for that region to establish, as well as to build green cover and provide ecological benefits for people living in nearby areas.

"Environmentally, Sustainability and Community Resilience go hand in hand. One of the goals of the plantation initiative is to create an opportunity for children and their families to learn about caring for our environment and how to use our natural resources responsibly," stated Sumanta Kar, Director of SOS Children's Villages of India.

In many countries, World Environment Day (June 5) serves as an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of environmental issues and encourage action to protect our environment. Across India, educational institutions, community organizations and government agencies conduct a wide variety of events, including tree planting events, cleaning events, and educational outreach.

SOS Children's Villages of India was established in 1964 to provide support to both children who are separated from their parents and families at risk of being separated from their parents (through childcare and family support services). Today, SOS Children’s Villages of India operates 32 Children’s Villages (in 22 States and Union Territories) throughout the country.

SOS Youth Villages India has reported that over 6,500 children are currently being cared for in 440 family homes managed by SOS Children Villages India, in addition to its other program areas of family strengthening, foster care, youth development, emergency child protection, and special needs children.

The plantation drive was part of the activities around World Environment Day 2026.