New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the 136th edition of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on Sunday, praised the growing public participation in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, highlighting record-breaking tree plantation drives across the country and urging citizens to continue linking environmental conservation with personal milestones.
Speaking during the programme, the Prime Minister said the campaign has inspired people from all walks of life to contribute towards protecting nature, adding that collective participation has produced several remarkable achievements.
“People across the country are fulfilling their responsibility towards nature through the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. When society connects with this sentiment, beautiful and inspiring examples emerge. The incredible power of public participation was witnessed in Ahmedabad. In the Bhadaj area, over 3.5 lakh saplings were planted within a single hour, with more than 25,000 people joining the effort,” PM Modi said.
He noted that the plantation drive witnessed enthusiastic participation from school students, NCC cadets, volunteers and ordinary citizens, adding that the saplings planted today would eventually develop into a dense urban forest. He also said the achievement has found a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Highlighting another milestone under the campaign, the Prime Minister referred to Uttar Pradesh’s large-scale plantation drive on July 12, when over 35 crore saplings were planted in a single day, describing it as a “matter of pride”, being an MP from the state.
PM Modi also spoke about wildlife conservation, saying trees provide shelter not only to human beings but also to countless species that depend on forests for survival. Referring to Gujarat’s Gir forests, he said the return of the Indian Grey Hornbill after nearly six decades reflects the success of sustained conservation and ecological restoration efforts.
“Trees are not just for humans; they are also home to countless living creatures. After nearly 60 years, the Indian Grey Hornbill is once again making its abode in the Gir forests of Gujarat. This is the result of years of conservation and restoration efforts in Gir. The Hornbill is often referred to as the ‘farmer of the forest’. They eat these fruits and disperse the seeds far and wide; from these very seeds, new trees grow in the forest,” PM Modi said.
Emphasising the importance of preserving nature, he urged people to make tree plantation a part of life’s memorable occasions and continue supporting the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative.
“In this way, a single bird helps make the forest lush and green again. I would urge all of you to connect a special occasion in your lives with nature — plant a tree in your mother’s name. A small sapling planted today can become a legacy of greenery, clean air, and a beautiful future for generations to come,” he added.
The Prime Minister also recalled his appeal made during the previous episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, where he had encouraged people to celebrate Ganesh Utsav by installing idols of Lord Ganesha made from locally sourced clay instead of Plaster of Paris (POP) or imported idols.
“Many people have sent me messages and shared their thoughts on this subject. People have told me that they have heeded my request. They have resolved to install idols of Ganesha ji made from local clay. People have written in to say that this topic was previously discussed in ‘Mann Ki Baat’, and that it helped them take the right steps at the right time,” he said.
Reiterating his appeal ahead of the upcoming festival, PM Modi urged citizens to choose eco-friendly idols, saying such a step would also “be a form of worshipping nature itself”.
(IANS)
