Green Drive Led by Smt. Raksha Khadse in Bhusawal

In a heartfelt continuation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s visionary campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, the second phase — “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” — concluded with great success in Bhusawal, Jalgaon district, Maharashtra. This inspiring initiative served as a tribute to the spirit of motherhood while reinforcing the nation’s dedication to environmental conservation and sustainable living.

A Green Celebration Led by Leaders and Locals

The event was led by Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. Supporting this green initiative were Shri Sanjay Savkare, Maharashtra’s Minister of Textiles, along with several esteemed dignitaries and officials, whose presence lent added strength and significance to the movement.

Distinguished attendees included:

• Mr. Ayush Prasad, District Collector, Jalgaon
• Smt. Sangeeta Biyani
• Dr. Sachin Nandre
• Mr. Ashok Kumar, District Youth Officer, Jalgaon
• Mr. Bhushan Patil, District Youth Officer, Nandurbar
• Mr. Sachin Panjhade, Block Development Officer, Bhusawal
• Mr. Sunil Panje, Accounts and Program Assistant, Jalgaon
• Mr. Sandeep More, Assistant Project Officer
• Mr. Bhaiya Mahajan, Sarpanch of Chorwad
• Mr. Deepak Bhole, Mr. Virendra Patil, Gram Panchayat Member
• Mr. Ravi Gunjal, Mr. Mayur Mandhare, Mr. Mohan Chaudhary, Mr. Vikas Navkar, and Mr. Rahul Patil, Gram Sevak of Chorwad

Their collective presence and words of encouragement served to elevate the sense of shared responsibility toward ecological balance.

A Forest of 2,000 Hopes

Under the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, District Administration Jalgaon, and My Bharat, Jalgaon, more than 2,000 native tree saplings were lovingly planted. Trees such as Kadu Badam, Tamarind, Neem, Amla, and Shisham were chosen for their ecological value, aiming to improve soil retention, groundwater recharge, biodiversity enrichment, and to mitigate the rising temperatures caused by thinning green cover.

The drive brought together hundreds of students and volunteers, forming a human chain of green warriors committed to nurturing nature, many of whom were inspired by the symbolism of planting a tree in their mother’s name — a powerful fusion of familial love and environmental responsibility.

Youth as Catalysts of Change

A defining feature of the event was the dynamic involvement of NSS (National Service Scheme) units from prominent educational institutions in Bhusawal:

• P.O. Nahata College
• P.K. Kotecha Mahila Mahavidyalaya
• Chaitanya Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Sakegaon
• D.D.N. Bhole College
• Godavari Nursing College
• Industrial Training Institute (ITI)
• Biyani Military School
• Rajaram Dhondu Secondary Vidyalaya

These young changemakers took pride in contributing toward building a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable Jalgaon. Their participation demonstrated the powerful role youth play in translating environmental ideals into tangible action.

Echoing Wisdom from Saints and Soil

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Smt. Raksha Khadse underlined the spiritual, ecological, and cultural value of trees. Quoting the revered Saint Tukaram Maharaj, she said:

“Vrukshavalli Aamha Soyare, He Vishwachi Maze Ghar”
(Trees are our kin, this world is our home.)

Her words encouraged all citizens to adopt a lifestyle of ecological harmony:
“Plant trees, save trees! Cultivate a life of joy!”

A Movement with Roots and Wings

As the saplings took root, so did the message of climate action, ecological responsibility, and intergenerational care. “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” didn’t merely conclude with tree planting — it launched a lasting movement where communities pledged to nurture these trees, symbolizing continued love and respect for both mothers and Mother Earth.

This initiative stood as a testament to how visionary leadership, grassroots participation, and youth enthusiasm can together sow the seeds for a healthier planet.