Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”: Fostering a Greener Future with ITL Public School, Dwarka

By Swavalamban Avam Swabhimaan Foundation (SAS Foundation)

In an era where climate change is one of the greatest challenges confronting humanity, small yet sincere acts of sustainability are lighting the path toward a greener tomorrow. One such inspiring initiative is “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” – a heartfelt plantation campaign inspired by the visionary call of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to honor mothers and Mother Earth by planting trees.

On this beautiful and purposeful day, Swavalamban Avam Swabhimaan Foundation (SAS Foundation) proudly partnered with ITL Public School, Dwarka, to carry forward this campaign through a collaborative plantation drive — a continuation of our shared journey toward environmental preservation, youth engagement, and community participation.

Rooted in Purpose: The Campaign Vision

“Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” is more than just a plantation initiative. It carries a deeper emotional and environmental significance. The campaign encourages individuals to plant a tree in the name of their mother, combining love, legacy, and sustainability into one powerful gesture.

By linking environmental action with personal emotion, this campaign seeks to cultivate a culture of care — not just for one’s family, but for the planet we call home. The act of planting becomes a tribute, a memory, and a promise for the future.

A Fruitful Collaboration

Continuing our mission to engage educational institutions in meaningful environmental action, the SAS Foundation joined hands once again with ITL Public School, Dwarka — a school known for its commitment to environmental stewardship and holistic student development.

The plantation drive was graciously hosted on the school campus, neighboring public parks, and surrounding residential spaces — expanding the reach and visibility of the campaign beyond the school walls.

Leading the initiative were:

• Ms. Jyotsana Sinha, Joint Secretary, SAS Foundation

• Mr. Jatin Yadav, a passionate volunteer and student at Lovely Professional University (LPU), Punjab

Their leadership, combined with the unwavering support of the school community, turned this idea into a tangible, thriving reality.

Community and School at the Heart of the Drive

The success of this drive was made possible by the collective enthusiasm of a diverse and dedicated group of individuals. Special thanks go to:

• Dr. Sudha Acharya, Principal, ITL Public School – whose leadership continues to inspire socially responsible citizenship.

• Teachers like Ms. Shikha Gandotra/Sikka, Dr. Vaishali Mishra, and Ms. Pratishtha Gupta – who not only guided the students but also participated actively in planting and nurturing the saplings.

• The energetic students of ITL Public School – whose curiosity, questions, and enthusiasm turned the event into an experience of learning and joy.

Together, they formed a multi-generational team, planting the seeds of hope and sustainability, quite literally.

What We Planted: Nature’s Gifts

This wasn’t just about planting any trees. Our team carefully selected a mix of medicinal, herbal, and native species known for their ecological, health, and air-purifying benefits.

More than 20 saplings were planted, including:

• Mehandi (Lawsonia inermis) – known for its cooling properties and traditional value in Indian households

• Baheda (Terminalia bellirica) – an essential component of the famous Ayurvedic formulation, Triphala

• Amaltas (Cassia fistula) – a beautiful flowering tree with strong air-purifying qualities

• Sohanjna (Drumstick Tree) (Moringa oleifera) – a superfood and medicinal tree hailed globally for its nutritional value

• Lasoda (Cordia dichotoma) – known for its edible fruits and resilience to urban climates

• Papri (Holoptelea integrifolia) – a lesser-known but ecologically significant native tree species

These saplings were strategically placed across three key zones:

1. Within the school grounds – to beautify and green the learning environment

2. In a nearby residential colony – to involve local residents and extend green coverage

3. In a public park – to contribute to community wellness and open access green spaces

A Legacy of Action: Building on Last Year’s Success

This was not a one-time gesture. In fact, this year’s event is a continuation of a deep-rooted partnership between SAS Foundation and ITL Public School.

In 2023, we successfully planted over 125 trees and plants together — an achievement that has already started to bear fruit, both literally and metaphorically. Many of those saplings are thriving today, cared for by students and staff.

The renewed drive in 2024 builds on this foundation — reinforcing the values of consistency, responsibility, and environmental consciousness among the youth.

Why This Matters

Climate change isn’t an abstract threat anymore. With rising temperatures, depleting green cover, worsening air quality, and unpredictable weather patterns, the need for community-led climate action is more urgent than ever.

Trees are nature’s simplest, most effective solutions to a host of global issues:

• They reduce carbon dioxide and combat global warming

• They purify air, regulate temperature, and support biodiversity

• They provide shade, food, and shelter for animals and humans alike

• They improve mental health and provide spaces for recreation and learning

By involving schools, especially students at a young age, in environmental activities like plantation drives, we are nurturing a generation of eco-conscious citizens who understand the importance of sustainability from both a scientific and emotional lens.

Voices from the Ground

“Every tree we plant today is a gift to our children tomorrow. This campaign connects the personal to the planetary – and that’s what makes it so powerful.”
— Ms. Jyotsana Sinha, Joint Secretary, SAS Foundation

“Our students are not just future leaders, but future stewards of this Earth. When they plant a tree, they grow with it — in wisdom, empathy, and responsibility.”
— Dr. Sudha Acharya, Principal, ITL Public School

“It was amazing to plant a tree in the name of my mother. I felt like I was doing something truly meaningful — both for her and for the planet.”
— Student Participant, Class IX

A Grateful Note

The SAS Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to:

• ITL Public School for its unwavering commitment to environmental education

• All participating teachers, students, and volunteers for their time and dedication

• Our young leaders and supporters for inspiring hope with action

We also thank the local community members who encouraged and appreciated the campaign, proving that collective change starts with collective participation.

Looking Ahead

The success of this plantation drive energizes our mission to expand the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative across more schools, colleges, and public institutions in the coming months.

Let’s continue this journey — one sapling, one tribute, one act of love at a time.

If you or your organization would like to partner with us in bringing this campaign to your area, we warmly welcome your support and collaboration.

Stay Connected

👉 Follow us on [LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram] for updates on our next campaigns.
📩 For collaborations, write to us at: sasf.india@gmail.com
📍 Learn more at: www.sasfoundation.org

Together, let’s grow a greener, healthier, and more hopeful future.
Because every tree tells a story. And every story begins with Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.