JUNE 05: On the occasion of World Environment Day, Union Minister for Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launched the second phase of the flagship environmental campaign Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam in New Delhi. The event also saw the unveiling of three new initiatives: Special Educational Modules for students, Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE integrated with a dedicated web portal, and a microsite supporting the tree-planting campaign.
The event was attended by key dignitaries including Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, MoS for Education, Shri Ashish Sood, Education Minister of Delhi, and senior education officials such as Shri Sanjay Kumar and Prof. Dinesh Prasad Saklani.
In his address, Shri Pradhan emphasized the importance of inculcating environmental values in young learners to create a generation aligned with India’s sustainability goals. He stressed that India’s civilizational ethos naturally respects nature and that students must now take up the baton of climate stewardship, especially as the country works toward achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070 and a developed nation status by 2047.
He noted the successful plantation of over 5 crore trees last year by educational institutions and set an ambitious target of 10 crore tree plantations for the ongoing year under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0. The campaign encourages citizens, particularly students, to plant a sapling in the name of their mother and upload a selfie on the microsite to generate an e-certificate.
The Minister also praised the launch of Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE, which will function in schools across India to raise awareness on sustainable living. These clubs will operate under seven thematic areas aligned with the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) movement. A web portal—https://ecoclubs.education.gov.in—has been launched to track and encourage student-led environmental activities in over 14.7 lakh schools nationwide.
The three educational modules unveiled target students at the preparatory, middle, and secondary levels and promote hands-on, experiential learning through activities, games, and eco-friendly tasks. The content draws inspiration from the nurturing nature of both mothers and Mother Earth.
Shri Pradhan and other dignitaries reiterated their commitment to a greener India, urging every citizen to take part in the movement. The initiative is seen as a cornerstone in combining education with environmental responsibility to build a sustainable future.