On World Environment Day, June 5, 2024, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, alongside SSIAST Chairman Dr. Prabhakar Rao, led a tree plantation event at Govardhan Farm in the Bangalore Ashram. This initiative is part of the Mega Tree Plantation campaign, which aims to promote environmental awareness and action.
During the event, Gurudev highlighted the global benefits of tree planting and stressed the importance of individual efforts to nurture greenery, starting right from one's home. The event garnered extensive media attention, drawing awareness to the pressing issue of environmental conservation.
In his address to the media, Gurudev underscored the critical impact of climate change and the urgent need for widespread tree planting. "Throughout the nation, we have witnessed the severe impacts of summer and climate change. The only way to counter this is for everyone to get active. Today, being International Environment Day, everyone should plant trees and participate in protecting our environment, including our trees, land, soil, and water resources," he stated.
Gurudev elaborated on the importance of conserving forests and emphasized collective effort. "Let us all work together; every one of us matters. Each individual can contribute by growing more plants, more trees, and conserving water, helping the earth replenish itself with more nutrients. This is the day to resolve to grow some plants in our homes."
He encouraged people, even those living in apartments, to grow vegetables such as pumpkins, cucumbers, tomatoes, and chilies. He urged global citizens to come forward and help protect the environment, stressing that environmental care is not opposed to development. "We can achieve great developments while making our nation a developed one," he affirmed.
Gurudev also reflected on historical practices, where maharajas planted trees along roadsides, and emphasized the need to revive such practices through public participation. "Every individual should take responsibility and make a difference."
The Mega Tree Plantation campaign aims to plant one crore trees across 22 states by Rakhi Poornima this year. This ambitious goal reflects a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and community involvement.
The event at Bangalore Ashram marks a significant step in this nationwide effort, inspiring individuals and communities to actively participate in protecting and nurturing our planet for future generations.
