‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ goes global as 75 diplomats plant saplings in Delhi

In a first-of-its-kind global plantation initiative, more than 75 Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Heads of Missions from over 72 countries joined hands in Delhi on Thursday to plant saplings under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign. The event, held at the PBG Ground in Delhi Ridge as part of Seva Pakhwada, coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday celebrations.

The dignitaries, accompanied by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, planted trees in memory of their mothers. Each sapling carried a plaque inscribed with the names of the dignitary, their mother and the tree species.

“This was a landmark occasion for the entire world,” said Yadav. “Over 75 envoys participated and were deeply moved while planting trees in their mothers’ names. As part of Seva Pakhwada, 7.5 crore saplings will be planted across India on September 25.”

Chief Minister Gupta described the drive as a “festival of remembering our mothers while protecting Mother Earth,” adding that Delhi’s green cover had grown by 25 per cent, the highest among states. “The challenges of pollution and climate change know no borders and demand global cooperation,” she said.

Environment Minister Sirsa underlined the significance of the dignitaries’ participation, calling it an endorsement of the Prime Minister’s efforts. “This is a proud moment for India and a reflection of PM Modi’s global leadership,” he remarked.

The ceremony witnessed several poignant moments. The Ambassador of Cameroon broke down while planting a tree in memory of her mother, who had died just 15 days earlier. She was consoled by Chief Minister Gupta, who described the moment as “deeply touching.”

Participating nations included Bhutan, Russia, Oman, Spain, Austria, Brazil, Jamaica and Fiji. Omani Ambassador Issa Saleh Alshibani praised the campaign, calling it “an initiative the world needs today, particularly in the face of climate change.”

The Seva Pakhwada programme, being observed nationwide from September 17 to October 2, will culminate on Gandhi Jayanti with a series of service-oriented and environmental campaigns.