Mission Shakti SHGs spearhead Odisha’s green Movement with ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign.
Bhubaneswar (Kalinga Voice) : “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” ,an inspiring initiative launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, calls upon citizens to plant trees as a mark of respect to their mothers. On World Environment Day, Prime Minister Modi planted a “Peepal” tree at Buddha Jayanti Park in Delhi, emphasizing upon the importance of collective efforts in increasing forest cover and promoting sustainable development. His call to action, urging everyone to plant a tree in honor of their mothers, has sparked movements across the nation, including a significant campaign in Odisha.
Supporting this noble initiative, Mission Shakti members are actively promoting the campaign in Odisha, adding ecological stewardship to their drive to bring socio-economic change in the community.
On 23rd June 2024, the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha and Minister of Mission Shakti, Smt. Pravati Parida officially launched the transformative “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign with a symbolic tree-planting ceremony at Mission Shakti Bhawan, Bhubaneswar. By planting a ‘Baula’ sapling, Smt. Parida underscored the campaign’s message of nurturing and respecting nature in the same way one respects their mother. This ceremony marked the beginning of an ambitious green movement spearheaded by Mission Shakti.
During her address, Smt. Parida highlighted the dual significance of the initiative—honoring mothers and fostering a sustainable and green Odisha. She emphasized the importance of community involvement in achieving the campaign’s goals and urged Mission Shakti leaders and officials to actively promote the campaign across Odisha, encouraging every citizen to plant a tree and contribute to this noble cause.
In a powerful demonstration of support, Mission Shakti leaders pledged to plant trees across the state. This ambitious commitment reflects their dedication to both honoring mothers and contributing to environmental sustainability. The campaign aligns perfectly with Mission Shakti’s broader objectives of promoting women empowerment and community development.
The progress of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign in Odisha has been remarkable. According to the latest data, various districts have made significant strides in their tree-planting targets. For instance, Ganjam district has planted more than 13 lakh saplings, showcasing the community’s enthusiasm and commitment to the cause. Similarly, districts like Kalahandi and Jajpur have exceeded their targets, planting more trees than initially planned, thus demonstrating the overwhelming support for the initiative. So far 1.30 crore saplings have been planted by members of Mission Shakti SHGs across the state.
“Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” is more than just an environmental campaign; it is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and the profound impact of Mission Shakti on the community .By planting trees in honor of mothers, the campaign beautifully intertwines respect for nature with cultural values, promoting a sustainable future for Odisha. As Mission Shakti continues to lead this green revolution, the state moves closer to its goal of environmental sustainability, driven by the collective efforts of empowering women, empowering Odisha and turning it into a Viksit Odisha.
