On World Environment Day, PM Modi planted a Sindoor sapling at his residence, a gift from 1971 war ‘Viranganas’ who helped rebuild the Bhuj airstrip. This emotional gesture also supports the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Par 2.0’ initiative aiming to plant 10 crore trees across India by September 30.
On the occasion of World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5, Prime Minister Narendra Modi carried out a symbolic and emotional act at his official residence, 7, Lok Kalyan Marg in New Delhi. He planted a Sindoor sapling, a gift from the brave women—known as ‘Viranganas’—who contributed heroically during the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
The act of planting this sapling was not merely a ceremonial gesture, but one deeply rooted in national memory and environmental responsibility. It was a fulfillment of a promise PM Modi made just days earlier during his visit to Bhuj, Gujarat.
On May 26, during an event held in Bhuj, the Prime Minister interacted with 13 surviving women who played a critical role during the 1971 war. These women are remembered for their extraordinary courage during a time of national crisis. After the Bhuj airstrip was bombed and rendered inoperable by enemy forces, approximately 300 local women stepped in to rebuild it. Working under extreme pressure and the threat of further bombings, they reconstructed the airstrip in just 72 hours, enabling India to resume air operations that were vital to its military strategy.
These women, honored today as ‘Viranganas’, presented PM Modi with Sindoor saplings, symbolizing both fertility, sacrifice, and patriotism. Moved by their gesture and their blessings, the Prime Minister pledged to plant these saplings at his residence, a promise he kept on Thursday, June 5.
The act took on an even deeper significance as it coincided with World Environment Day 2025, an annual global celebration that highlights the importance of protecting the environment. In a message shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, PM Modi urged citizens to take active roles in safeguarding the planet:
“This #WorldEnvironmentDay, let’s deepen our efforts towards protecting our planet and overcoming the challenges we face. I also compliment all those working at the grassroots to make our environment greener and better.”
PM Modi’s message and his symbolic planting serve as a call to action, reinforcing India’s commitment to environmental sustainability through both policy and personal example.
PM Modi’s act also aligns with the broader environmental initiative titled ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Par’, which he launched to encourage tree planting as a tribute to motherhood and the motherland. The second phase of this campaign, launched this year, aims to plant 10 crore trees between June 5 and September 30, 2025, across India.
As part of this campaign, PM Modi is also scheduled to plant another sapling at Mahavir Jayanti Park in Delhi. The initiative is gaining momentum nationwide, with participation from schools, local bodies, government agencies, and civil society groups.
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The planting of the Sindoor sapling is emblematic on multiple levels—it not only commemorates the bravery of unsung heroes from a critical chapter of India’s history but also underscores the need for sustainable ecological practices. It demonstrates how national pride and environmental stewardship can come together in meaningful acts that inspire citizens and future generations.
The Prime Minister’s tribute to the Viranganas of Bhuj, by planting the sapling they gifted him, bridges the past and the future—combining patriotism, personal respect, and environmental commitment. In doing so, it reaffirms India’s journey toward sustainable development, backed by deep cultural values and historical consciousness.
