On the sidelines of the 16th Meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP16) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD), a unique and impactful event took place in Cali, Colombia, on October 29, 2024. Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India, led a special plantation drive at the University of Valle. This event was part of India’s growing ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (#Plant4Mother)’ Campaign, launched earlier this year, which combines environmental action with a heartfelt tribute to the love and sacrifices of mothers worldwide.
The ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ plantation drive was attended by an esteemed gathering that included His Excellency Mr. Vanlalhuma, Ambassador of India to Colombia; Ms. Mónica García Solarte, Vice-Rector of the University of Valle; and Mr. Guillermo Murillo Vargas, Rector of the University of Valle. Also present were faculty members, students, and Shri Tanmay Kumar, Special Secretary from India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, who actively participated in the campaign by planting a sapling in honor of his mother.
A Plantation Drive Rooted in Tribute
The plantation drive, organized under the framework of COP16 to the UNCBD, highlighted the mission of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign to encourage global participation in environmental responsibility through the symbolic planting of trees in honor of one’s mother. The campaign’s slogan, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (A Tree in the Name of Mother), aims to inspire citizens around the world to engage in reforestation efforts as a tribute to the nurturing and protective spirit of mothers. This unique initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on World Environment Day, was inaugurated with the planting of a Peepal tree, an act that underscored India’s commitment to both ecological and social responsibility.
At the University of Valle, the event saw the active participation of faculty and students, with over 30 attendees coming together to plant trees in honor of their mothers. The Rector, Vice Rector, and Director of International Cooperation at the University of Valle also took part by planting saplings in dedication to their mothers. This gesture of respect, rooted in personal tribute, made the campaign both meaningful and widely appreciated by all who attended.
Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh’s Message to the Youth
As part of his visit, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh engaged in a meaningful interaction with the faculty and students of the University of Valle. During his address, he encouraged the youth to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives, emphasizing the importance of active involvement in environmental conservation efforts. “The role of youth in environmental protection is paramount, and it is this generation that can set the tone for a sustainable future. Initiatives like ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ enable us to connect on a personal level with environmental efforts while also making a global impact,” he stated.
Singh highlighted the environmental challenges facing the world and urged young individuals to become proactive agents of change. He also pointed to India’s significant progress in expanding forest cover over the last decade, noting that campaigns like this one serve as a reminder of the impact of collective and personal action in addressing environmental issues.
#Plant4Mother (Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam): A Campaign with Global Significance
The ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign has gained traction since its launch, with people across India and other countries joining in to plant trees in the name of their mothers. The movement, amplified by social media through the hashtag #Plant4Mother, resonates deeply as it combines the urgent need for environmental action with an emotional appeal that transcends cultural boundaries. Prime Minister Modi’s vision behind this initiative was to foster a sense of responsibility for the environment by encouraging people to plant a tree not just for environmental sustainability, but as a tribute to the nurturing role of mothers around the world.
The ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign embodies a dual objective: it is a call to action against climate change and biodiversity loss, and it serves as a tribute to maternal care, drawing attention to how similar the roles of a mother and nature are in providing sustenance and protection. At its launch, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the potential for global participation, urging citizens from all walks of life to join in the collective mission to reforest and combat environmental degradation.
India’s Vision for Sustainable Development
India’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign aligns closely with its overarching goals for sustainable development, a commitment that has seen substantial progress over the years. The country has made notable strides in afforestation and conservation efforts, with increased forest cover being a testament to its focused policies and grassroots campaigns.
At COP16, India’s participation goes beyond policymaking to include grassroots efforts, as demonstrated by this plantation drive. Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh’s leadership in the event reinforces India’s commitment to creating an environmental movement that transcends borders, involving not only governments but also local communities and individuals. India’s actions at COP16, including this campaign, highlight the nation’s dedication to meaningful international cooperation in biodiversity conservation and climate action.
A Tribute Beyond Borders
The plantation drive at the University of Valle, Colombia, symbolizes how environmental action can transcend national borders, cultures, and languages. By bringing the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign to an international platform, India emphasizes the global nature of ecological challenges and the need for united action. The event not only fostered a sense of camaraderie among the participants but also underscored the universal values of respect for nature and appreciation for the selfless love of mothers.
As this campaign grows, it continues to remind the global community of the importance of nurturing both our natural environment and our social values. The saplings planted on October 29, 2024, in Colombia, serve as a lasting symbol of the shared responsibility toward Earth and a tribute to the mothers who nurture the next generation.
Conclusion: A Growing Green Legacy
The ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (#Plant4Mother) campaign, inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi, and led globally by representatives like Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh, brings a refreshing approach to environmental activism, blending personal and ecological responsibility. Through small yet meaningful acts of planting trees, this campaign encourages people worldwide to actively participate in reforestation while paying homage to their mothers.
In the spirit of COP16, the plantation drive at the University of Valle serves as a reminder that protecting biodiversity is a global endeavor and one that thrives on unity and shared values.
