IIT Gandhinagar Enhances Campus Greenery with ‘EK PED MA KE NAM’ Initiative

Today, IIT Gandhinagar organised a significant tree plantation drive under the banner ‘EK PED MA KE NAM,’ in line with the Prime Minister’s nationwide campaign. This event marks a notable step towards enhancing the campus’s greenery and reaffirms the institute’s dedication to environmental sustainability.

The drive took place at the Entrance Court, near Rangmanch, and was inaugurated by Shri Raj Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat. Prof. Rajat Moona, Director of IIT Gandhinagar, along with other dignitaries and students, staff members, including their families, contributed to planting over 400 trees.

Honorable Chief Guest Shri Raj Kumar delivered an inspiring speech after planting a tree, highlighting the urgent need to acknowledge our responsibilities towards nature. He pointed out that as natural disasters become more frequent, it is evident that we have taken nature for granted for too long. “The resources we inherit from our ancestors are not ours to deplete; instead, it is our duty to safeguard them and ensure they are preserved for future generations,” he stressed.

Shri Raj Kumar also spoke about the profound cultural respect for nature that is ingrained in our heritage. “Our ancestors revered rivers, trees, and nature because they understood its crucial role in our lives,” he noted. He expressed concern over the fading connection to nature and urged everyone to reconnect with our roots and take responsibility for our environmental future.

He further emphasised the importance of the ‘EK PED MA KE NAM’ initiative, linking it to the national goal of planting 1.4 billion trees by 2025, with Gujarat alone aiming to plant 170 million. Shri Raj Kumar highlighted that these efforts extend beyond planting trees—they are about honouring our past and securing a sustainable future for the coming generations.

Earlier, at the Chief Guest’s address, Prof. Rajat Moona shared the vision behind the initiative. He proudly announced that IIT Gandhinagar has planted 5,000 trees on campus, which will provide essential oxygen for everyone. He highlighted that trees, like humans, have the right to live, and the institute has ensured that no plants were removed, even those that might have interfered with architectural plans.

Prof. Moona underscored the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative as a remarkable project with a deep connection to motherhood and a strong future focus. Today’s planting of 1,111 trees was noted as a significant milestone, with attendees encouraged to return in two years to see these plants grow into trees. Prof. Moona also addressed the extreme heat and heatwaves experienced during the summer, stating that this initiative will help mitigate heat and provide a habitat for birds and animals.

Before the Director’s speech, Dr A P Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Government of Gujarat, delivered his speech; throughout the nation, we celebrated the 75th Van Mahotsav. This was not just an ordinary festival but truly a grand celebration. The initiative had been launched by India’s first Agriculture Minister, Kanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi, who was a visionary leader. Since 2004, our Prime Minister had introduced the concept of cultural forests, which had been established in cultural heritage sites as well. The Forest Department had been highly active in bringing this vision to life. This was emphasised by

The event was also attended by prominent dignitaries, including Dr Rajul K Gajjar, Vice Chancellor, Gujarat Technological University; Prof. Bhrigu Nath Singh, Director General, IITRAM; Prof. Rama Shanker Dubey, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Gujarat; and Prof. Dharmendra Singh, Director, IIIT Vadodara.

The event has garnered strong support from the Forest Department of Gujarat. The Green Campus Committee, led by Prof. CN Pandey, the Sustainable Development Centre, and IWD have all significantly contributed to ensuring the event’s success.

As part of this monsoon season, IIT Gandhinagar has aimed to plant 5,000 trees on campus. Approximately 4,000 trees have been planted during the rainy season, with an additional 1,111 trees planted near Rangmanch today. The 1,111 trees, including around 400 trees, were planted during today’s event in the presence of the Chief Secretary, other dignitaries, and the IIT Gandhinagar community.