Dehradun: At a time when climate change has become one of the world’s greatest concerns, forests are shrinking rapidly, and clean air is turning into a precious resource, Uttarakhand has set an inspiring example of environmental stewardship. The “Prem Taru” campaign, jointly launched by the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Uttarakhand, and the 127 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) ECO (Garhwal Greeners), has transformed into a remarkable people’s movement from its very first day, sending a powerful message that protecting nature is not merely the responsibility of governments but a shared duty of every citizen.
On the inaugural day of the campaign, nearly 500 fruit-bearing, medicinal, and shade-giving saplings were planted across Dehradun and several districts of Uttarakhand. The main plantation drive was held at the Gorkha Military School, where saplings of mango, jamun, lemon, neem, ashoka, and bael were planted.
However, the campaign’s defining feature goes beyond plantation. Its core commitment is to protect and nurture every sapling until it grows into a healthy tree. The campaign carries a simple yet profound message:
“Planting a sapling is only the beginning; nurturing it into a tree is the true act of service.”
Chief Guest Colonel Pratyul Thapliyal, Commanding Officer of the 127 Infantry Battalion (TA) ECO (Garhwal Greeners), emphasized that unless decisive action is taken today to protect the environment, future generations may one day have to purchase clean air. He cautioned that the day may not be far when children could be seen carrying oxygen cylinders alongside their school bags. He urged every family to plant at least two to four saplings, preferably through the hands of their children, so that environmental responsibility becomes an enduring family value.
Speaking on the occasion, Colonel Yogendra Singh, State President of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Uttarakhand, announced that the “Prem Taru” campaign will continue from July 12 to August 31 across the state with extensive public participation. He clarified that the objective is not merely to plant trees but to ensure their survival and growth into mature trees. Appreciating the support of the Territorial Army, he remarked that when the armed forces and society unite for a noble cause, meaningful and lasting change becomes inevitable.
The programme was attended by Lieutenant General A.K. Bakshi, Shraddha Bakshi, Dr. Vipin Vaishya, Meenu Vaishya, Deepak Nautiyal (Trustee), Captain Ajay Swaroop, Subedar Bhupendra Singh, Territorial Army personnel, Neeraj Thapa, Sajjan Singh Thapa, Kiran Ahluwalia, Shalini Swaroop, Abhishek Shahi, Sapna Thapa, State Minister and Vice-Chairperson of the Gorkha Welfare Council Uttarakhand, Dr. O.P. Gupta, Dr. R.M. Singhal, Dr. Lata Singhal, Samarjit Ahluwalia, Neema Joshi, Meera Chhetri, Nidhi Sharma, Lata Khampa, Poonam Gurung, Sudha Pun, Kusum Sharma, Deepa Kaushal, Rekha Thakur, Karuna Rawat, Jyoti, Shubha Dubey, Kautuk, Samarth, along with a large gathering of military officers, social workers, volunteers, students, and citizens.
