Tawi Welfare Society Organises Mega Plantation Drive at Apnavan Suray Chak

“Ek Pedh Maa Ke Naam” — A Tribute to Motherhood and Mother Earth

Tawi Welfare Society Regd., in collaboration with the Forest Department, Jammu, today organised a grand Mega Plantation Drive at Apnavan Suray Chak under the inspiring theme “Ek Pedh Maa Ke Naam”, dedicating the plantation to the love, sacrifice and unconditional affection of mothers, while also paying tribute to Mother Earth, which sustains and nurtures all life. More than 300 high-quality ornamental saplings of various varieties were planted in the newly developed Children Park at Suray Chak. The park has special significance as it is presently the only developed park on Tawi Island, comprising more than fifty villages. The plantation will further enhance the beauty of the park and provide a greener, healthier and more pleasant environment for children and the local community.

The plantation was jointly carried out by dedicated volunteers of Tawi Welfare Society, Forest Department officials and field staff, and enthusiastic children of Government High School, Suray Chak. Their participation made the programme particularly meaningful, helping children understand the importance of trees, nature and environmental responsibility from an early age. The programme was scheduled to be graced by Sh. Ashwani Kumar Mittal, DFO Urban Jammu, as Chief Guest. However, due to an urgent call from senior officers, he could not personally attend. In his absence, Sh. Sunil Sharma, Range Officer, represented the Forest Department. On behalf of DFO Sh. Mittal, the Range Officer also received the Memento of Honour presented by Tawi Welfare Society in recognition of his valuable support and continued cooperation. Welcoming the guests and participants, Sh. Nand Kishor, Senior Member of Tawi Welfare Society, highlighted the importance of plantation and environmental conservation. He stated that trees are essential for clean air, ecological balance, shade, beauty and a healthy future. He explained that “Ek Pedh Maa Ke Naam” carries a deeply emotional message—just as a mother selflessly nurtures her children, a tree silently nurtures and protects generations. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the guests and participants and sincerely thanked the Forest Department, Jammu, for providing quality saplings and extending valuable technical assistance. He also conveyed special appreciation to DFO Sh. Ashwani Kumar Mittal Ji for his continuous support and cooperation during the last three years, stating that the encouragement received under his guidance has greatly strengthened the Society’s environmental initiatives.

Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Sunil Sharma, Range Officer, highly appreciated Tawi Welfare Society for organising such a meaningful and well-coordinated programme. He praised the Society for taking environmental conservation to the grassroots level and particularly appreciated the participation of schoolchildren. He said that initiatives like “Ek Pedh Maa Ke Naam” create an emotional connection with nature and encourage people to plant trees as a responsibility rather than a formality.

Sh. Parveen Singh Manhas, Block Officer, also lauded the efforts of Tawi Welfare Society and appreciated its continued commitment towards the welfare, beautification and development of Tawi Island. He congratulated the volunteers for bringing together the Forest Department, schoolchildren and the community for such a noble cause and stressed that the success of plantation drives ultimately depends on properly nurturing and protecting the planted saplings. The programme was attended by Forest Department officials and staff, members and volunteers of Tawi Welfare Society, teachers and students of Government High School Suray Chak, and several dignitaries and prominent members of the local community.

The Society expressed sincere gratitude to the Forest Department, Jammu, for its continued cooperation and reaffirmed its commitment to carrying forward such environmental initiatives in the future. The programme conveyed a simple yet powerful message: every tree planted today is a gift to tomorrow. Under “Ek Pedh Maa Ke Naam,” participants dedicated their saplings to the mothers who nurture us and to Mother Earth, which gives us life, sustenance and shelter.

Tawi Welfare Society reiterated that its mission is not merely to plant trees but to nurture and protect them and inspire the community to take ownership of the environment. The Society appealed to every citizen to plant at least one tree in the name of their mother and make this noble campaign a lasting movement for a greener, cleaner and healthier Tawi Island.