Jalgaon, Maharashtra | July 5, 2025 — In a powerful display of environmental commitment and community unity, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0”, the second phase of the nationwide afforestation campaign, was successfully carried out in Bhusawal, Jalgaon district. The initiative was spearheaded by Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, and saw the participation of numerous public figures, enthusiastic students, and eco-conscious volunteers.
This phase of the campaign is a heartfelt tribute to mothers and Mother Earth, symbolizing love, gratitude, and environmental responsibility through the simple yet impactful act of planting trees.
A Collaborative Green Mission
Organised collaboratively by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, My Bharat Jalgaon, and the District Administration of Jalgaon, the initiative witnessed the plantation of over 2,000 saplings across the region. Native species including Kadu Badam, Tamarind, Neem, Amla, and Shisham were chosen for their resilience and ecological value, helping to boost local biodiversity, enhance green cover, and combat environmental degradation.
Dignitaries who graced the occasion included:
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Shri Sanjay Savkare, Minister of Textiles, Government of Maharashtra
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Mr. Ayush Prasad, District Collector, Jalgaon
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Smt. Sangeeta Biyani, Educationist
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Dr. Sachin Nandre, Health Official
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Mr. Ashok Kumar and Mr. Bhushan Patil, District Youth Officers of Jalgaon and Nandurbar respectively
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Mr. Sachin Panjhade, Block Development Officer, Bhusawal
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Mr. Sunil Panje, Accounts and Program Assistant, Jalgaon
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Mr. Sandeep More, Assistant Project Officer
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Mr. Bhaiya Mahajan, Sarpanch of Chorwad
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Gram Panchayat members and village officials, including Mr. Deepak Bhole, Mr. Virendra Patil, Mr. Ravi Gunjal, Mr. Mayur Mandhare, Mr. Mohan Chaudhary, Mr. Vikas Navkar, and Mr. Rahul Patil
Their presence reflected the strong institutional support behind the campaign.
Cultural and Ecological Significance
While addressing the gathering, Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse invoked the words of Saint Tukaram Maharaj:
“Vrukshavalli Aamha Soyare, He Vishwachi Maze Ghar”
(Trees are our kin, this world is my home)
She emphasized the spiritual and environmental importance of trees, stating that planting a tree in the name of one’s mother not only honors her but also nurtures Mother Earth, contributing to climate resilience and ecological stability.
“Plant trees, save trees! Cultivate a life of joy,” she urged the community.
Youth-Led Environmental Action
A hallmark of the event was the enthusiastic participation of National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers and students from leading educational institutions of Bhusawal, including:
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P.O. Nahata College
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P.K. Kotecha Mahila Mahavidyalaya
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Chaitanya Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Sakegaon
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D.D.N. Bhole College
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Godavari Nursing College
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Industrial Training Institute (ITI)
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Biyani Military School
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Rajaram Dhondu Secondary Vidyalaya
The active role of these young volunteers not only ensured the success of the plantation drive but also fostered a spirit of environmental stewardship among the next generation.
A Living Tribute to Mothers and Nature- ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’
As the saplings took root in the fertile soil of Bhusawal, the true spirit of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” blossomed — not merely as an event, but as a transformational community movement. The conclusion of this phase was marked by a deep sense of responsibility and renewed dedication among students, citizens, government officials, NSS volunteers, and local leaders. They didn’t just walk away after planting trees — they stayed to pledge their commitment to the saplings’ growth, symbolising a long-term bond with the environment.
Participants came together in a solemn yet celebratory moment, where voices echoed with promises to water the trees regularly, protect them from damage, and ensure their survival through seasonal cycles. For many, this was not just a civic duty, but a personal mission — a way to give back to their mothers and to Mother Nature in the most tangible way possible.
Educational institutions pledged to involve students in regular tree care as part of their community outreach. Gram panchayat members and village officials announced plans to integrate sapling maintenance into their local development schemes. My Bharat and NSS volunteers committed to conducting monthly monitoring visits, ensuring that each planted tree is accounted for and thrives as a green guardian of its surroundings.
Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, while concluding the campaign, emphasized that true sustainability lies in consistent action, not just symbolic gestures. She urged every participant to become a “Vruksha Mitra” — a lifelong friend of trees — who not only plants but protects, nurtures, and inspires others to do the same.
This concluding phase wasn’t just about environmental restoration — it was a moment of social awakening, where community members experienced a profound shift in mindset: from passive observation to active participation, from environmental indifference to ecological stewardship.
Ultimately, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” in Jalgaon reaffirmed that honoring our mothers can go beyond ceremonies and rituals — it can take the form of living legacies, rooted in the earth, breathing life into our collective future. It is through such actions — grounded in compassion, community, and commitment — that India marches forward towards a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable tomorrow.
For more details, check press release on PIB website.
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