In a significant step toward environmental stewardship and community engagement, a district-level tree plantation drive was organized at Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM), Port Blair, under the nationwide campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”. The initiative, launched by the Government of India, encourages citizens to plant trees in honor of their mothers, blending ecological responsibility with emotional resonance.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, faculty members, government officials, and local residents. Saplings of native species were planted across the JNRM campus, symbolizing both environmental commitment and personal tribute. The drive aligns with the broader vision of the campaign, which aims to foster a deeper connection between citizens and nature by encouraging them to dedicate a tree to their mothers.
Speaking at the event, the Principal of JNRM emphasized the importance of youth-led environmental action and praised the campaign’s ability to instill a sense of personal responsibility toward ecological preservation. “This is not just about planting trees—it’s about nurturing values of gratitude, sustainability, and collective action,” he said.
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Environment Day 2024, the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign has rapidly evolved into a mass movement. By September 2024, over 80 crore saplings had been planted across India, with record-breaking drives such as the Territorial Army’s plantation of over 5 lakh saplings in one hour in Jaisalmer.
The campaign has been embraced by ministries, educational institutions, and civil society organizations nationwide. It also features a dedicated mobile app that allows users to geo-tag their planted trees, upload images, and track growth over time.
The plantation drive at JNRM is part of a series of events planned across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to support the campaign’s objectives. Local authorities have pledged continued support for green initiatives, with plans to expand plantation efforts to schools, public parks, and coastal zones.
As the saplings take root, the campaign continues to grow—both as a tribute to motherhood and as a powerful symbol of India’s commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.
