A Green Tribute to the Prime Minister
Marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday with a powerful environmental gesture, Odisha has gone beyond its ambitious plantation target under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” campaign. While the state had set a goal of planting 75 lakh saplings in a single day, by early afternoon on September 17 it had already crossed the 1.04 crore mark, symbolizing both ecological commitment and community unity.
A Campaign with Purpose
The initiative, launched as a continuation of last year’s successful drive, blends symbolism with sustainability. Framed as a tribute to both Mother Earth and motherhood, it forms part of the broader Seva Parv celebrations running nationwide from September 17 to October 2. Odisha’s achievement not only reflects organizational strength but also the people’s enthusiasm in contributing toward combating climate change.
Leadership and Participation
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, joined by ministers and senior officials, planted saplings at a Bhubaneswar college event. He described the campaign as a “people’s movement,” emphasizing that trees are not just greenery but symbols of life, prosperity, and resilience. Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia, and other dignitaries echoed the call for long-term ecological stewardship, urging citizens to safeguard saplings until they grow into strong trees.
Widespread Mobilisation Across Odisha
From government departments to community groups, participation was extensive. The Agriculture and Farmer Empowerment Department alone contributed 23 lakh saplings, while Director General of Police Y. B. Khurania mobilized police units state-wide to ensure the programme’s success. Plantations were held in 30 districts and over 30,000 locations, reinforcing the initiative’s scale and reach.
Beyond Plantation: Health and Welfare Initiatives
The day also marked the start of complementary welfare campaigns. The “Healthy Women, Empowered Families” programme aims to build a comprehensive digital health database of women across Odisha, addressing key concerns like breast and cervical cancer, malnutrition, and menstrual health. With over 29,000 screening camps planned, the drive targets more than 2 crore women, combining preventive healthcare with empowerment.
Additionally, the anniversary of the Subhadra Yojana and the launch of Awas Diwas housing fairs under Angikaar-2025 extended the day’s celebrations beyond the environment, showcasing the government’s multi-sector focus.
Environmental and Social Impact
The Forest Minister highlighted that while mass plantations are crucial, the real test lies in nurturing saplings into mature trees. Special focus areas include industrial belts like Jharsuguda, Talcher, and Kalinga Nagar, along with drought-prone regions, where green cover is both a shield and a lifeline. By combining afforestation with welfare initiatives, Odisha is setting a template for inclusive growth where sustainability and social development progress hand-in-hand.
A Constructive Conclusion
Odisha’s feat of surpassing its plantation target on PM Modi’s birthday is more than a symbolic gesture—it represents the convergence of environmental consciousness, people’s participation, and visionary leadership. By blending ecological initiatives with health and welfare drives, the state has demonstrated how commemorative days can be transformed into agents of lasting change. The challenge now lies in maintaining momentum, ensuring saplings thrive, and building a future where development and sustainability coexist seamlessly.
(With agency inputs)
