Odisha is set to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday in a green and memorable way. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced that 75 lakh saplings will be planted across the state on September 17, as part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ campaign.
In a video message, CM Majhi appealed to the people of Odisha to join hands in the mega plantation drive, which he described as both a tribute to the Prime Minister and an offering to Mother Earth. “The world’s greatest blessing is ‘Mother’. Let us honour our mothers and Mother Earth by planting a tree in their name,” Majhi said, while urging citizens, students, youth, SHG members, NGOs and voluntary organizations to participate actively in the green initiative.
ଜନ୍ମଦାତ୍ରୀ ମା' ପ୍ରତି ସ୍ନେହ, ଶ୍ରଦ୍ଧା ଓ ଭଲପାଇବା ପ୍ରଦର୍ଶନ କରିବା ସହିତ ଧରିତ୍ରୀ ମା'ର ସୁରକ୍ଷା ଉଦ୍ଦେଶ୍ୟରେ ମାନନୀୟ ପ୍ରଧାନମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଶ୍ରୀ @narendramodi ଜୀ "ଏକ୍ ପେଡ୍ ମା’ କେ ନାମ୍" ଅଭିଯାନର ପରିକଳ୍ପନା କରିଥିଲେ। ଗତବର୍ଷ ଠାରୁ ଆରମ୍ଭ ହୋଇଥିବା ଏହି ଅଭିଯାନ ଆଜି ଏକ ଜନ ଆନ୍ଦୋଳନରେ ପରିଣତ ହୋଇଛି।
ଏହି ଅଭିଯାନର… pic.twitter.com/8jVg5dVtnH— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) September 13, 2025
The second edition of the campaign, launched on World Environment Day (June 5), will continue till September 30. The state has set an ambitious target of planting 7.5 crore trees this year, of which 75 lakh will be planted in a single day on PM Modi’s birthday. “This will be a gift from the people of Odisha to Modi ji, whose leadership has made India stronger and more respected on the global stage. He has always given special attention to Odisha’s development, and this is our way of honouring his commitment,” the CM said.
Last year, Odisha surpassed expectations by planting 6.72 crore trees, earning the fourth position nationally in plantation efforts. This year, the government aims not only to exceed the numbers but also to ensure the survival of every sapling. “Merely planting is not enough; their survival is critical. Every citizen and government employee must take responsibility to nurture and protect these trees,” a senior official stressed.
The campaign has been designed as a people’s movement with active involvement of the Forest and Agriculture departments, government agencies, PSUs, youth bodies and civil society organizations. Officials said ensuring 100 per cent survival of the saplings through proper care and maintenance will be the cornerstone of the initiative.
Calling the plantation drive both a gift to the Prime Minister and a legacy for future generations, Majhi said: “Come, let us join this noble mission. Together, we can build a greener, cleaner and more beautiful Odisha—and contribute to a healthier planet for tomorrow.”
With the state gearing up for September 17, the campaign is expected to create a record-breaking green milestone, while fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among citizens.
