“One Plant a Day” pledge completes 5 Years: Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s green vow moves towards a National people’s movement

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): On the completion of five years of the “One Plant a Day” pledge, a special programme held today at AP Shinde Hall, Pusa, New Delhi, gave concrete shape to transforming the personal vow of Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development and former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, into a nationwide green mass movement.

From the stage, Shri Chouhan directed that all programmes of the Agriculture Ministry, ICAR, agricultural universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and the Rural Development Department must begin with plantation, and appealed that instead of welcome mementos, trees should be planted and photographs shared. He also presented the concept of a “Tree Bank” and platforms like ‘Ankur’ to give a structured national framework to this mega campaign.

Spiritual leader Sadhvi Didi Maa Ritambhara and environmentalist Dr Anil Joshi described this pledge as a collective sadhana of religion, society and nature, calling it a path to “living moksha” and a “true yajna”. The programme was attended by Indian Council of Agricultural Research Director General Dr M. L. Jat, Smt. Sadhna Singh, senior journalist Ashutosh Jha and other dignitaries. All guests planted saplings at the Pusa campus at the beginning of the event.

Daily Plantation: From Resolution to Sadhana

Shri Chouhan recalled that on 19 February 2021, on the occasion of Narmada Jayanti, he planted rudraksha and sal saplings on the banks of the Narmada at Amarkantak and pledged to plant at least one sapling every day. He has fulfilled this pledge uninterruptedly for five years, planting more than 6,000 saplings.

From the difficult period of the COVID-19 pandemic to the demanding public life as Chief Minister and now Union Minister, including domestic and international travel, this routine never broke. Plantation became an integral part of his daily life and environmental message. While many take environmental pledges, very few demonstrate the continuity and willpower required to live by them—“One Plant a Day” stands as a living example of such constancy.

From Narmada Seva Yatra to ‘Ankur Abhiyan’: A Green Background

Shri Chouhan said this pledge was not born of a momentary emotion, but of a long-developed environmental vision. After the historic Narmada Seva Yatra in 2017 under his leadership, over six crore saplings were planted in Madhya Pradesh, turning river, forest and climate conservation into a people’s movement.

Subsequently, the ‘Ankur Abhiyan’ was launched, encouraging citizens to plant saplings, upload photos/selfies on a portal and take responsibility for their protection. Through this campaign, nearly one crore saplings were planted, with people from all walks of life joining the green journey. Over time, the initiative expanded beyond Madhya Pradesh to national and international levels, with people celebrating birthdays, wedding anniversaries and special occasions by planting trees.

Clear Directions to Ministries, ICAR and Universities

Shri Chouhan clarified that the programme was not ritualistic or for personal glorification, but to give the campaign a wider canvas. He announced that:

All programmes of the Agriculture Ministry will now begin with plantation.

He requested the ICAR DG that every seminar, conference and function under ICAR must start with planting a tree.

Convocation ceremonies in agricultural universities will begin with plantation, and students will be administered a pledge to plant a tree every year on their birthday.

Any programme of KVKs, agricultural colleges and research institutions must mandatorily begin with plantation.

He said when a vast system like the agriculture sector begins every programme with planting a tree, a massive number of saplings will naturally be planted—and no inauguration could be better than this.

No Mementos, “Plant Trees and Send Photos”: A New Tradition of Honour

Shri Chouhan shared a significant personal decision: he will no longer accept garlands, stoles or mementos at public functions. He said honour is often attached to position rather than person, and once the position ends, the crowd disappears; hence it is important to step out of this illusion.

If any institution or individual wishes to welcome him, they should plant five saplings instead of giving a ₹500 memento and present photographs—that alone would be his true felicitation. Cloth stoles and garlands have no lasting use, whereas trees planted at the same cost become life-giving assets for future generations. He urged his ministry and all organisers to adopt this practice.

Tree Bank and ‘Ankur’ Platform: Blueprint of a Mega Campaign

Shri Chouhan proposed the concept of a Tree Bank, under which donors or institutions can contribute funds to purchase large numbers of saplings, while a dedicated agency takes responsibility for pit digging, planting and protection.

He also suggested creating a national platform—“Sambhavna” or “Ankur”—where citizens can register to plant or sponsor a tree on birthdays, anniversaries, children’s milestones, or the birth/death anniversaries of loved ones. Urban residents could contribute a fixed amount (₹100–₹150) to plant a tree in their name and receive its photograph and location details. He said India lacks neither donors nor goodwill; what is missing is organised manpower and a structured platform.

Missed-Call Mechanism for Public Participation

To widen participation, Shri Chouhan proposed a missed-call number for citizens wishing to join the campaign. Those giving a missed call or message could later be connected to special programmes, mass plantation drives and training, ensuring the movement grows through voluntary inspiration rather than compulsion. He said planting trees is service—not only to humans, but to the entire world—because trees mean oxygen, habitat for living beings, rainfall, rivers and the entire chain of life.

Sadhvi Didi Maa Ritambhara: Plantation as a True Yajna

Sadhvi Ritambhara linked tree plantation to the soul of Sanatan culture, saying trees are not just greenery but protect religion, culture and the Earth. They are living expressions of sacred symbols and the motherland. Planting saplings on birthdays, anniversaries or auspicious occasions sows seeds of virtue and protection for generations. She appealed to replace showy expenses and fireworks with plantation, treating it as a “true yajna” and protecting each tree as a sacred vow.

Dr Anil Joshi: “Not a Minister, but a Seeker of Nature”

Environmental expert Dr Anil Joshi expressed deep respect for Shri Chouhan, saying he never saw him merely as a minister; his true identity lies in his inner consciousness and devotion to nature. One who considers himself part of nature and plants a tree daily has shown the path of “moksha while living.” Referring to Narmada-related movements and the concept of “Shiv-Van”, he said these initiatives unite people positively and reshape the nation’s landscape, reminding policymakers that air, soil and water come from ecological balance, not elections.

Ashutosh Jha: Trees Give Peace, Planting Trees Is a Virtuous Act

Senior journalist and thinker Ashutosh Jha praised Shri Chouhan’s simplicity and resolve, saying once he commits to something, he sees it through. He appealed to everyone to adopt plantation in life, noting that in today’s fast-paced world, trees provide peace, connect generations and that planting trees is a virtuous act essential for protecting nature.

From Personal Vow to People’s Mega Movement

In his concluding address, Shri Chouhan said India’s population of 140–144 crore is not a weakness but its greatest strength. If even 2–5 crore people join the plantation movement, crores of trees can be planted and India can become a global guide. While no one controls how many days they live, dedicating the remaining breaths to a better world is in our hands. He urged everyone to leave with at least one pledge—daily, monthly or on special occasions—and imbibe the spirit of “One Plant a Day” to make life meaningful. Participants collectively took a plantation pledge.