Report: Plantation of Saplings at Adopted Villages Naslapur and Nandikurli under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” Campaign

Event Date: 15th August 2024
Locations: Naslapur and Nandikurli Villages, Belagavi, Karnataka
Organized by: Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Student Coordinators, Dr. N.A. Magadum Ayurvedic Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Ankali, and Gram Panchayat Members of Naslapur and Nandikurli Villages

Introduction

On 15th August 2024, the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) student coordinators from Dr. N.A. Magadum Ayurvedic Medical College, in collaboration with the Gram Panchayat members of Naslapur and Nandikurli villages,  conducted a large-scale sapling plantation drive. This initiative, under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and honoring mothers by planting trees in their name. The drive was organized as part of the ongoing efforts by UBA to adopt and develop villages through sustainable practices and community engagement.

Objectives

The plantation drive aimed to achieve the following objectives:

• Promote Environmental Conservation: Increase green
  cover in the villages to improve air quality, support biodiversity, and
  mitigate the effects of climate change.
• Engage Community Participation: Foster a sense of
  environmental stewardship among villagers by involving them directly in
  the planting and care of saplings.
• Honor Mothers: Dedicate each sapling to
  mothers, celebrating their nurturing roles and highlighting the connection
  between motherhood and nature.

Participants

• Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Student Coordinators: Student coordinators from Dr. N.A. Magadum Ayurvedic Medical College participated actively in the event, taking the lead in organizing and executing the plantation drive.
• Gram Panchayat Members: Representatives from the Gram Panchayat of Naslapur and Nandikurli, including the village heads, supported the initiative by mobilizing local resources and residents.
• Local Residents: Residents from Naslapur and Nandikurli, including children, youth, and elders, participated enthusiastically in the plantation drive, making it a community-wide
  effort.

Activities Conducted

1.
Inauguration Ceremony:
The event began with a combined inauguration at Naslapur village, where the village heads, along with UBA student coordinators, addressed the gathering. The importance of tree plantation and its long-term benefits to the environment and community were discussed. The inaugural speeches were followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp and a prayer for the success of the plantation drive.

2.
Simultaneous Plantation Drives in Both Villages:
Following the inauguration, the participants split into groups to carry out simultaneous plantation activities in Naslapur and Nandikurli. A total of 50 saplings, including fruit-bearing and native tree species like neem, banyan, mango, and peepal, were planted across designated areas in both villages. The planting sites were strategically chosen based on soil conditions and the need for greenery in community spaces, schoolyards, and roadside areas.

3.
Sapling Dedication Ceremony:
In line with the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, each sapling was dedicated to a mother, symbolizing the nurturing and protective role of mothers in society. This dedication ceremony was a poignant moment that reinforced the theme of the campaign and encouraged participants to view the saplings as
living tributes to their mothers.

4.
Awareness Sessions:
Post-plantation, the student coordinators conducted interactive awareness sessions in both villages, focusing on the importance of trees in ecological balance, the process of nurturing saplings, and ways to protect young trees from pests and environmental stress. These sessions were aimed at educating the villagers on sustainable practices and encouraging them to take ownership of the saplings planted.

5.
Community Interaction and Feedback:
The event provided an excellent platform for interaction between the students, Gram Panchayat members, and local residents. Discussions on future initiatives under the UBA and feedback from the villagers were collected to plan more effective and community-centric activities.

Impact and Outcomes

• Increased Green Cover: The plantation of 50 saplings is expected to enhance the green cover in Naslapur and Nandikurli, contributing to better air quality, shade, and biodiversity in the region.
• Enhanced Environmental Awareness: The awareness sessions helped to increase understanding among villagers about the ecological benefits of trees and the role of each individual in conserving the environment.
• Strengthened Community Bonds: The collaborative effort between the students and the villagers fostered a strong sense of community, encouraging collective action towards sustainable development.
• Promotion of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Goals: The event successfully highlighted the mission of the UBA to integrate academic knowledge with community service, demonstrating the effectiveness of educational institutions in rural development.

Conclusion

The plantation drive at Naslapur and Nandikurli under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign was a resounding success, reflecting the dedication of the UBA student coordinators and the enthusiastic participation of the local communities. This initiative not only contributed to environmental conservation but also served as a meaningful tribute to mothers, aligning with the cultural values and traditions of the region.

Future Plans

To build on the success of this event, the following steps are proposed:

• Regular Monitoring and Maintenance: Organize regular visits to monitor the growth of the saplings and ensure their proper maintenance.
• Expansion to Other Villages: Encourage neighboring villages to participate in similar plantation drives, extending the impact of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
• Capacity Building Workshops: Conduct workshops on sustainable agricultural practices, waste management, and water conservation to further empower the villagers with knowledge and skills for sustainable living.

The commitment of the UBA student coordinators and the collaborative spirit of the Naslapur and Nandikurli communities have laid a strong foundation for ongoing environmental and social development efforts.