Shivaji Press Club Holds Third ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Plantation Drive in

YAMUNANAGAR | PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK

Shivaji Press Club Yamunanagar organised its third plantation programme under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign at Government Middle School in Kishanpura, bringing together journalists, public representatives, police officials, social workers, education representatives and local residents around the message of environmental conservation.

Haryana Nomadic Development Board Vice-Chairman Ompal attended the programme as the Chief Guest, while DSP Headquarters Yamunanagar Kanwaljit Singh was the Special Guest. Prominent industrialist Ashwini Singla presided over the programme.

The event was organised with the objective of encouraging people, particularly schoolchildren and young citizens, to plant trees and take responsibility for their protection and long-term care. The programme also highlighted the role of social organisations and community groups in addressing environmental concerns through practical initiatives.

Shivaji Press Club President Ravindra Chauhan said that the club would continue its plantation campaign in the coming days. He informed the gathering that the next plantation programme would be organised at Maharaja Agrasen College. He also announced that the club would soon launch a cleanliness campaign as part of its wider social initiatives.

The programme began with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp. Schoolchildren welcomed the guests with a welcome song and colourful cultural presentations. The performances added a lively atmosphere to the event and reflected the enthusiasm of students towards the plantation initiative.

Members of Shivaji Press Club welcomed the guests by presenting bouquets, traditional stoles and mementoes. The organisers said that the participation of public representatives, police officials, educators and members of the local community gave additional momentum to the environmental campaign.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Ompal stressed the importance of planting more trees and, equally importantly, ensuring their survival. He said that plantation drives can make a meaningful contribution to environmental protection only when the saplings are regularly watered, protected and nurtured until they grow into mature trees.

He appreciated Shivaji Press Club for taking up the initiative and continuing the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign through successive plantation programmes. He encouraged other social organisations and community groups to undertake similar activities and involve local residents and students.

Presiding over the event, Ashwini Singla said social organisations have an important role to play in activities aimed at public welfare. He encouraged people to actively participate in environmental initiatives and plant more trees in their surroundings.

Singla said that environmental protection cannot be achieved by government agencies alone. Community participation, awareness and individual responsibility are equally important. He appealed to residents to make tree plantation and environmental care part of their regular social responsibility.

DSP Headquarters Kanwaljit Singh interacted with the students during the programme and distributed saplings among them. He encouraged the children to take personal responsibility for the plants given to them and ensure that they receive adequate water and protection.

While addressing the gathering, Kanwaljit Singh also referred to the importance of community cooperation in maintaining public safety. He said that under the guidance of Superintendent of Police Kamaldeep Goyal, district police are working to keep a check on crime and substance abuse and are receiving cooperation from members of the public.

He also appreciated Shivaji Press Club for conducting plantation activities and described the initiative as a positive example of community-oriented work. He said that such programmes can create awareness among young people while also contributing to a healthier environment.

A special moment during the programme involved a young student named Ali, who expressed his desire to have a photograph with DSP Kanwaljit Singh. The child also told the police officer that he wanted to become a police officer when he grew up. His innocent aspiration became one of the memorable moments of the event and reflected the impact that interaction with public servants can have on young students.

The programme also received active support from the local village administration and school authorities. Village Sarpanch Bulbul Walia, Sachin Walia and school Headmaster Sandeep Gupta extended their cooperation towards the successful organisation of the event.

Sarpanch Bulbul Walia highlighted several development and community initiatives being undertaken by the village panchayat. She said efforts were being made to maintain cleanliness in the village, develop the village pond into a park and operate the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Library for the benefit of local residents.

The organisers said that environmental protection and cleanliness are closely connected. Planting trees can improve the local environment, while maintaining clean public spaces can further improve the quality of life for residents. The proposed cleanliness campaign by Shivaji Press Club is expected to build on the message of social responsibility promoted through its plantation initiative.

The participation of schoolchildren was another important feature of the programme. Students were not only involved in the cultural presentation but were also encouraged to understand why trees are important and why planting must be followed by regular care.

The organisers emphasised that the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign seeks to create an emotional and social connection between tree plantation and family values. By involving children and local communities, the campaign can encourage a culture in which planting and protecting trees becomes a long-term commitment rather than a one-day activity.

Shivaji Press Club office-bearers said the organisation intends to continue its environmental and social initiatives in different locations. The upcoming programme at Maharaja Agrasen College is expected to further expand the campaign and involve more students and members of the community.

The event concluded with an appeal to residents to plant more trees, protect existing greenery and participate in community welfare activities. The organisers said that environmental conservation requires sustained public involvement and that every individual can contribute through small but meaningful actions.

Among those present at the programme were Shivaji Press Club President Ravindra Chauhan, Treasurer Ramkishan Kashyap, Ravi Kumar, Ali Jan Raunak, Rudra Pratap Singh, Village Secretary Jasvir Singh Khatana, Village Secretary Mahavir, Forester Sandeep, teacher Sanjeev Chanalia, Bansilal, Raman Kaur, Shashi Bala, Pushpa, Babli and other members of the local community.

The third plantation programme by Shivaji Press Club in Kishanpura thus combined environmental awareness, student participation and community engagement, reinforcing the message that protecting trees and maintaining a clean environment are shared responsibilities.