Tag: tree planting

EduConnect

St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa NSS unit Commemorates Plantation Drive – “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0”

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The NSS Unit of St. Xavier’s College – Mapusa, organized a plantation drive beginning on on 30th June 2025 until 7th July 2025 commemorating the initiative “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0”, which encouraged NSS volunteers to plant a sapling in honour of their mothers.

The event began with a brief introduction by the NSS Chief Programme Officer, Dr. Rheane Da Silva who highlighted the significance of the campaign and its message of environmental responsibility and gratitude toward motherhood. The plantation drive was formally inaugurated by the dignitaries of the college. The first sapling was planted by the Administrator, Rev. Fr. Tony Salema, followed by Acting Principal, Ms. Ursula Barreto. The Vice Principal, Prof. Filipe Rodrigues e Melo, carried out the third plantation. Guest of Honour, Mr. Vincy Quatros, a renowned Konkani writer planted a sapling, expressing his support for the cause. Dr.Raina of GVM’s Ponda enthusiastically participated in the plantation drive.

The Programme Officers, Dr. Rheane Da Silva, Mr. Sujay Rane and Mr. Rahul Naik along with the college gardeners Mr. Satish and Mr. Dessai alongside 35 NSS volunteers planted the saplings with active enthusiasm. In total, 70 saplings were planted during the drive. The sapling varieties included Badam (Almond), Gulmohar, Mango, Jackfruit, Cashew, Awla, Techoma and other native species suitable for the terrain.

The plantation was carried out in specific areas of the campus, including the periphery of the college sports ground and along the pathways to encourage shade in the future. These locations were selected to ensure the long-term visibility and the long term impact of trees to maintain a cooler temperature on campus.

To ensure proper maintenance, each sapling has been assigned to a dedicated pair of NSS volunteers who will take care of the plants throughout the year. The plantation drive concluded successfully, marking a meaningful contribution to both environmental preservation and the emotional spirit behind the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” initiative.

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“Hands in Soil, Hearts with India” – CIO Launches One-Million Child Tree-Planting Movement Across India

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Published on 26 June 2025

New Delhi – In an inspiring and ambitious move to engage young Indians in climate action, the Children Islamic Organisation (CIO) has launched a nationwide campaign titled “Hands in Soil, Hearts with India”, aiming to involve one million children in planting and caring for trees between 25 June and 26 July 2025.

The initiative was unveiled at a press conference held at the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind headquarters, where CIO leaders Ramla, Syed Nabigh Azhaan Husaini, and Mohd Humaid outlined the vision behind this powerful environmental campaign.

A Movement Rooted in Care and Responsibility

Speaking at the event, Ramla emphasized the urgency of the mission:

“The Earth is getting hotter, forests are vanishing, and the air we breathe is getting worse. Children can help change this. When they plant and care for trees, they’re not just helping the environment — they’re learning compassion, responsibility, and love for nature.”

CIO, a national platform for the all-round development of children based on Islamic values, believes that environmental stewardship must begin in childhood. With this campaign, the organization seeks to instill a deep sense of connection to the Earth, framed as an act of national service and spiritual duty.

How the Campaign Will Work

According to Syed Nabigh Azhaan Husaini, the campaign will unfold through tree-planting activities in diverse locations — schools, madrasas, mosques, community parks, and even in front of homes. Each child will be encouraged to:

  • Name their tree
  • Care for it like a friend
  • Document the journey through drawings, poetry, crafts, or journals

The campaign will be further enriched by creative, educational activities, including:

  • Green Pledge ceremonies
  • Friday sermons focused on environmental responsibility
  • Nature walks
  • Art, poetry, and storytelling competitions
  • Short videos and reels on social media to spread awareness

“We want this to be meaningful and fun,” Husaini explained. “This is about building a generation that feels deeply connected to the Earth.”

Partnerships and Public Engagement

To ensure the campaign has impact and longevity, CIO is working with government departments to:

  • Supply healthy saplings
  • Identify suitable planting sites
  • Offer resources on local ecology
  • Support long-term tree survival and growth

Mohd Humaid added that these collaborations are critical to scaling the movement and sustaining the green impact. He also unveiled campaign slogans designed to inspire children and communities alike:

🌱 “Where every child plants a tree, a greener world will bloom!”
🌿 “A leaf shall smile – every day shall bring greenery!”

A Call to Action: Be a Tree Hero, Be a Green Champion

In a passionate appeal, CIO leaders called on students, teachers, parents, school heads, and religious leaders to join the movement and make this green revolution a collective act of national pride.

“Let this movement grow beyond numbers into a habit of caring for the Earth,” they urged. “Imagine the power of a million trees planted and nurtured by a million children. That’s not just environmental action — that’s hope rooted in the soil.”

They also invited media outlets, civil society, and environmental organizations to help amplify the message and support children in their green missions.

Want to Join the Movement?

If you or your school, madrasa, or organization would like to participate in the “Hands in Soil, Hearts with India” campaign, reach out to your local CIO chapter or visit http://www.cio-india.org/greenheroes for more details, resources, and updates.