On the occasion of World Environment Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, a unique initiative combining environmental responsibility with a heartfelt tribute to mothers. This campaign was inaugurated on June 5, 2024, with the planting of a Peepal tree by the Prime Minister at Buddha Jayanti Park in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of collective efforts to improve the environment and spoke of India’s strides in increasing forest cover over the past decade. This campaign, he said, aligns with the nation’s quest for sustainable development!
The essence of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ is a symbolic gesture—planting a tree in the name of one’s mother. This simple act serves a dual purpose: honoring the role of mothers in nurturing life and contributing to the health of the planet. Trees are life-sustaining, and just like a mother, they provide sustenance, protection, and a future for the next generation. Through this initiative, participants can create a lasting memory, planting a tree as a living tribute to their mothers, while also addressing the pressing need for environmental preservation.
80 Crore Seedlings Planted
The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change successfully met its ambitious goal of planting 80 crore seedlings under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign by September 2024. The target was achieved on 25th September 2024, 5 days ahead of deadline. This achievement was made possible through collaborative efforts from government agencies, local communities, and various stakeholders.
World Record of planting over 5 lakh saplings
On 22nd September 2024, the 128 Infantry Battalion and Ecological Task Force of the Territorial Army, a unit under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), achieved a remarkable feat by planting over 5 lakh saplings in just one hour. This monumental achievement, carried out under the “Special Plantation Drive” in Jaisalmer, was part of the Prime Minister’s campaign, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, and the Territorial Army’s outreach initiative, “Bhagidari & Zimmedari”, aimed at promoting ecological restoration and raising environmental awareness among local communities.
The Territorial Army unit’s efforts were recognized by the World Book of Records, London, with several provisional 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.
The presence of representatives from the World Book of Records ensured that the plantation was meticulously verified and certified, and the Ecological Task Force received the provisional award for this achievement. This plantation drive exemplifies the motto, “Those who protect the trees are protected,” reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship for the well-being of future generations.
Collective Actions Across Ministries
In line with Prime Minister Modi’s call, various ministries have embraced the campaign enthusiastically. Each ministry and department has made substantial contributions to this initiative, demonstrating a collective commitment towards sustainability, green cover enhancement, and fostering public engagement Ministry of Defence announced a nationwide initiative to plant 15 lakh trees on Independence Day, August 15, 2024, under the banner of this campaign. This effort was carried out through the Indian Armed Forces, Defence PSUs, NCC, and other associated bodies, contributing to a greener and healthier India.
The Ministry of Coal, under the leadership of Secretary Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, organized a plantation drive at Millennium Park, as part of their ongoing environmental sustainability efforts. Coal and Lignite PSUs have planted saplings over the years, contributing significantly to reducing carbon footprints in mining areas.
In addition, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has launched its own plantation drive, planting about 7,000 trees across urban and rural locations nationwide. This campaign, ran from mid-August, focused to expedite tree planting efforts, especially during the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign from September 17 to October 1, 2024.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, actively participated by planting an Amla sapling in memory of his mother. The Minister highlighted the importance of this campaign as a way for individuals to express their love for both their mothers and Mother Earth.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, engaged in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign through a virtual event at the National Institute for Agricultural Extension Management, Hyderabad. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare contributed through extensive tree-planting efforts, involving its various offices and subordinate bodies.
Minister of State for Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Harsh Malhotra, participated in a plantation drive at Kota House, New Delhi, as part of both the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 campaigns. The ministry’s officers also undertook mass cleanliness drives to support the government’s broader vision of environmental protection and Swachh Bharat.
Inspired by the campaign, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) led by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, undertook widespread plantation activities across its institutions. Over 11,778 trees were planted at Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKKs), National Institutes for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs), and Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSS). The ministry’s efforts focused on integrating environmental consciousness with skill development, fostering a sense of community and sustainability among students, trainers, and local populations.
The Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 campaign, led by the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation and the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, emphasized cleanliness and green cover enhancement. Planting trees as part of this nationwide drive has bolstered the government’s commitment to a cleaner, greener India. The participation of government agencies like the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Border Security Force, Sankalp Taru NGO, and local communities, further extended the reach and impact of the campaign.
Technological Boost: ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ App
To support this initiative, Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, launched the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ app. This innovative platform allows users to plant and dedicate a tree in honor of their mothers, with features such as easy image uploads, location tagging, and carbon credit tracking. The app even enables users to monitor the growth of their tree over time, offering a personal way to stay engaged in environmental protection.
The app’s user-friendly interface encourages individuals to become active participants in environmental conservation. Users can plant a tree, upload its image, and share their efforts on social media, inspiring others to join this meaningful cause.
A Vision for a Greener Future
‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ is a movement that reflects India’s commitment to a sustainable and environmentally conscious future. By combining respect for mothers with a call to action for environmental protection, this initiative offers a way for citizens to contribute directly to creating a greener planet.
The success of this campaign lies in its simplicity and emotional appeal, encouraging people across the nation to plant a tree as a tribute to their mothers. In doing so, they honor the nurturing power of both nature and motherhood, ensuring that future generations inherit a healthier and more sustainable world.
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