Staff Reporter :

Just four days after its launch on World Environment Day, ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ 2.0 initiative has already made remarkable strides, with 5.94 lakh saplings planted across India and 83,100 schools actively participating in this nationwide environmental movement.

Launched by Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan on June 5 in New Delhi, the campaign builds on the success of its first phase, aiming to plant 10 crore trees by September 30, 2025, in a heartfelt tribute to mothers and Mother Earth. The initiative, which encourages individuals to plant a tree in their mother’s name, has resonated deeply with communities, blending emotional significance with environmental action.

Minister Pradhan, during the launch, emphasised the campaign’s symbolic power, stating, “This initiative is not just about planting trees but about fostering love and responsibility towards nature.”

The overwhelming response, with nearly 6 lakh saplings planted in such a short span, underscores the campaign’s transformation into a people’s movement, driven by students, educators, and citizens nationwide.
The participation of 83,100 schools highlights pivotal role of educational institutions in advancing India’s environmental goals. Through Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE, schools have become hubs of environmental education, engaging students in tree-planting activities and fostering sustainable practices.

Over 29 lakh students have already generated more than 50 lakh QR codes for the trees they have planted, contributing to a vast digital database that tracks the campaign’s progress. This innovative use of technology not only ensures transparency but also inspires young eco-warriors to take pride in their contributions.

The campaign’s early success builds on last year’s achievement, where educational institutions planted over 5 crore trees nationwide.
This year, the focus on schools has amplified participation, with special modules tailored for Preparatory, Middle, and Secondary stages integrating environmental consciousness into curricula. These modules, enriched with puzzles, hands-on activities, and research assignments, aim to instill a lifelong commitment to sustainability in students.

‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ 2.0 initiative is more than a tree-planting drive—it’s a cultural and emotional movement. By dedicating each sapling to one’s mother, participants honor the nurturing essence of motherhood while contributing to the planet’s health.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who launched the campaign’s first phase in 2024, planted a Banyan sapling on June 5, 2025, at Bhagwan Mahavir Vanasthali Park in Delhi as a part of Aravalli Green Wall Project. He described the initiative as a “deeply personal yet universal act of giving back to nature.”

The campaign aligns with India’s broader environmental goals, including the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) framework, which promotes mindful resource use. Pradhan noted India’s non-polluting ethos and its commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2070, with 2047 as a key milestone. The initiative’s integration with the Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE portal and its microsite allows participants to upload selfies with their saplings, generating e-certificates and fostering a sense of ownership.