The all-India movement “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” — initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the day of World Environment Day 2024 — has been going from strength to strength throughout the country, mobilizing crores of people to plant a tree in memory of their mothers. The project titled “One Tree in the Name of Mother” combines environmentalism with emotional and cultural sensitivities, making it a novel movement that has touched a responsive chord among people.
The campaign was initiated by the Prime Minister himself when he planted a Peepal sapling in Buddha Jayanti Park in Delhi. He called upon the citizens to plant trees as a memorial to the unconditional love and sacrifices of mothers. The concept, though highly symbolic in nature, also serves the wider objectives of increasing the green cover, combating climate change, and encouraging community involvement in nature conservation efforts.
Millions of saplings have been planted throughout the nation under the campaign’s banner since its inception. Educational institutions, National Service Scheme (NSS) units, local municipal corporations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and general citizens have taken part enthusiastically. Students at the University of Hyderabad, for example, planted more than 450 saplings in Hyderabad, whereas Gauhati University NSS volunteers conducted plantation drives along the Brahmaputra riverside.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Education have both endorsed increasing the reach of the campaign. A second phase, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0,” was added in June 2025 to continue momentum and expand outreach. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated this phase by planting a sapling and reaffirming the dual importance of the campaign — ecological accountability and emotional bonding.
The states of Haryana were among the first success stories, more than doubling their initial target by planting over 1.8 crore trees. Inspired by such success, the central government has now set the ambitious goal of 10 crore trees across the country under this drive.
People are urged to name the planted saplings after their mothers, vow to nurture them, and post stories to encourage others. The campaign also encourages people to plant local tree species in order to promote local biodiversity.
The campaign has been lauded for its simplicity, emotional resonance, and environmental reach. By combining green stewardship with personal feeling, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” has become an influential grassroots movement, reminding individuals that caring for nature is also a way to care for those who cared for us.
