Shimla, 03.08.26-Governor Kavinder Gupta has called for transforming environmental conservation into a people’s movement, asserting that every tree planted and nurtured today would become a lasting legacy for future generations. He urged the citizens, particularly the youth, to actively participate in protecting nature while also taking the lead in building a drug-free society.

The Governor was addressing a plantation drive organised under the campaign ‘Har Ped, Himachal Ka Abhiman-Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ at APG Shimla University in collaboration with the Nishkam Srijan Foundation, here today.

He said that institutions of higher education must become centres of sustainable development by instilling values of environmental stewardship and social responsibility among students. The plantation should not be viewed as a symbolic exercise but as a long-term commitment. “The true success of a plantation campaign lies not merely in planting saplings but in ensuring that they grow into healthy trees,” he said.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nationwide initiative ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, the Governor said that the campaign beautifully connects environmental conservation with India’s cultural values. “Just as a mother nurtures life, trees sustain life on Earth. Every sapling planted in the name of one’s mother reflects gratitude towards motherhood, nature and the nation while strengthening our resolve to secure a greener future for generations to come,” he observed.

The Governor also referred to the Prime Minister’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative, stating that environmentally responsible lifestyle choices, including water conservation, reduced plastic use, energy efficiency and tree plantation could collectively make a significant contribution towards sustainable development.

Shri Gupta described India’s youth as the nation’s greatest strength and urged them to adopt at least one sapling during their academic journey and nurture it into a full-grown tree. “Years later, when you return to your alma mater, that tree should stand as a living symbol of your commitment towards society and the environment,” he said.

Drawing attention to another pressing national concern, Shri Gupta welcomed the launch of the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva-Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’ by the Prime Minister and appealed to young people to stay away from substance abuse and spread awareness about its harmful consequences. He said that a developed India could only be realised through healthy, empowered and socially responsible youth.

Calling upon students to become ambassadors of both environmental conservation and the drug-free movement, the Governor said that these twin commitments would strengthen society and contribute meaningfully towards the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Earlier, the Governor planted a sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign and interacted with students, faculty members and volunteers participating in the plantation drive.

The Governor also distributed prizes to the winners of the poster-making competition.

Earlier, Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Rajinder Singh Chauhan briefed him about the ‘Har Ped, Himachal Ka Abhiman-Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. He also apprised the Governor of the activities and achievements of the University.

Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ramesh Kumar Chaudhary honoured the Governor on the occasion.

A colourful cultural programme was presented by the students of the University.

Registrar R.L. Sharma proposed the vote of thanks.

The Governor also inaugurated the Nav Grah Vatika established on the University campus and distributed saplings among NSS volunteers.

Pro-Chancellor Prof. Ramesh Chauhan, Secretary to the Governor Sandeep Bhardwaj, Advisor Suman Vikrant, representatives of the Nishkam Srijan Foundation, faculty members, students, staff and other prominent persons were also present on the occasion.