Union edu minister Pradhan urges nationwide support for ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ tree campaign

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has urged citizens to join the second phase of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, which aims to plant 10 crore trees across the country between June 5 and Sept 30.

The campaign is aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative and is being relaunched to mark World Environment Day.

In a video message, Pradhan described the initiative as more than just an environmental effort.

“It is an emotional tribute to our mothers and Mother Nature,” he said, encouraging students to plant a sapling in their mother’s name as a sign of affection, gratitude, and care for the environment.

The campaign, launched in 2024, was inspired by the Prime Minister’s gesture of planting a peepal tree in memory of his mother at Buddha Jayanti Park in New Delhi.

Since then, more than 5.5 crore trees have been planted with active participation from citizens nationwide.

Pradhan pointed to innovative grassroots contributions from states like Chhattisgarh, Tripura, and Rajasthan, where communities have used seed balls and bio fencing to support afforestation efforts.

He also referred to the United Nations Environment Programme’s message that addressing climate change requires lifestyle changes in addition to technological advancements.

He credited the PM for introducing Mission LiFE, which integrates sustainability into everyday habits.

A key highlight of the campaign is its digital component. Over 29 lakh students have created more than 50 lakh QR codes to monitor the growth and care of the trees they planted.

This data is contributing to a growing national database for environmental monitoring.

Acknowledging the role of schools and families, Pradhan praised the support of students, teachers, and parents.

He called on everyone to plant a tree in their mother’s name and share its story.

“Each sapling is not just a tree but a message of love, commitment, and hope for a greener future,” he said.

The campaign combines personal sentiment with ecological responsibility, turning tree planting into a symbolic and practical act of tribute and conservation.