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Tree Planting Brings Hope At RRU And Across Gujarat

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Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) today supported Gujarat’s 76th Van Mahotsav, organised by Gandhinagar District Forest Office, which was followed by a significant plantation drive that saw the planting of more than 500 saplings in the RRU campus. The event underscored a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and aligned with national and institutional visions for a greener future. Van Mahotsav is a big tree-planting festival in India held each July. It aims to remind everyone how important trees are for our planet. Many schools, communities, and institutions like RRU take part every year.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by several prominent personalities. Shri Sheeshpal Rajput, Hon’ble Chairman, Gujarat State Yog Board, served as the Chief Guest, emphasising the importance of such green initiatives for public well-being and ecological balance. Guests of Honour included Shri Hasmukhbhai Patel, Member of Parliament, Ahmedabad East; Shri Balrajsinh Chauhan, MLA, Dehgam; and Shri Ashokbhai Patel, President, Dehgam Taluka Panchayat, all of whom expressed their support for environmental protection and community engagement. Van Mahotsav brings people together—leaders from different parts of society, like politics, education, and forest departments—to show a united push for planting trees and protecting nature.

Officials from different institutions also played a pivotal role in the event. Among them were Dr. A P Singh (IFS), Principal Chief Conservator of Forest & Head of the Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF), highlighting the state’s forestry efforts; Shri Mehul Dave (IAS), Collector, Gandhinagar, representing local administration; and Shri B J Patel (IAS), District Development Officer, Gandhinagar District Panchayat, showcasing district-level development initiatives. From Rashtriya Raksha University, Prof. (Dr.) Kalpesh H. Vandra, Pro-VC; Dr. Dharmeshkumar D. Prajapati, I/c Registrar; Mr. Vishwa Pratap Singh, I/c Joint Registrar; and Prof. (Dr.) Priyanka Sharma, Dean, Extension & Distance Learning Directorate (EDLD), were present, reaffirming the university’s dedication to social responsibility and environmental stewardship. Shri Ravirajsinh Rathod, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Gandhinagar Forest Department, also participated, further solidifying the collaborative spirit of the event.

RRU is an important national university created by Parliament. It teaches and trains students in security, police studies, and national safety. The Hon’ble chairman of the Gujarat State Yog Board, Shri Sheeshpal Rajput, stressed the importance of everyone’s role in creating a greener Gujarat at the opening remarks. “We will together initiate these initiatives of plantation and will make our Gujarat green, clean, and healthy,” said Shri Rajput. He further highlighted that this ambitious dream is achievable by every citizen of Gujarat and will serve as an exemplary model for other states to emulate in their pursuit of cleaner, greener, and healthier cities in the near future.
Gujarat has taken big steps under campaigns like “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (One Tree For Mother’s Name). This is a special call to each person to plant a tree in honour of their mother.

The aim is to make Gujarat greener and encourage personal responsibility powerful slogan “Ek Ped Maa ke Naam 2.0” was further reiterated by Dr. A. P. Singh (IFS), Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of the Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF), contributing to the environmental conversation. He declared that, as part of this program, 1600 saplings would be planted in different villages within Gandhinagar and the adjacent areas during the 76th Van Mahotsav. This project demonstrates a persistent commitment to increasing green space and fostering natural harmony across the area. Gujarat has planted millions of saplings across both urban and rural areas under the tree-planting programs. The state now ranks among the top in India for tree planting in these efforts.

The plantation drive at RRU is a direct reflection of Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel’s vision is to cultivate a peaceful and pollution-free environment on the campus. As the Vice Chancellor of RRU, Prof. (Dr.) Patel believes that such an environment is essential for both students and employees—teaching and non-teaching alike—to maximise their productivity and contribute effectively in their respective areas of responsibility. This initiative under the 76th Van Mahotsav is expected to significantly strengthen the Vice Chancellor’s vision, as well as the broader objective of local authorities to realise the Prime Minister’s dream of a green India. The Prime Minister’s vision includes restoring green cover and making India sustainable. Campuses like RRU join this goal by planting trees and nurturing green spaces that help health, learning, and clean air.

This plantation drive’s successful completion demonstrates RRU’s commitment to creating a sustainable campus and supporting Gujarat’s and India’s broader environmental objectives. In addition to improving the campus’s aesthetic appeal, the recently planted saplings will also help to boost biodiversity and air quality, making it a healthier and more comfortable place for everyone to work and learn.
Trees add beauty, clean air, attract birds and insects, and offer shade and calm. They help people focus better and feel good. All these benefits make learning and living spaces healthier.

During interaction with the media, RRU’s pro-vice chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Kalpesh H. Wandra highlighted the vital advantages of planting trees. He went into detail about the various purposes of planting trees, saying that these kinds of projects are essential to reducing the difficulties brought on by environmental change. Prof. Wandra emphasised the urgent necessity for extensive plantation initiatives by pointing out the obvious damage inflicted by nature in many regions of India and around the world. In order to keep the earth green and healthy, he also exhorted everyone to engage in plantation operations in their local communities regularly. This is in line with more general environmental preservation objectives supported by agencies such as the Indian Government’s Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change. The Indian Government’s Ministry of Environment organises Van Mahotsav each year in the monsoon season to encourage tree planting across schools, universities, forests, and communities.

Shri Raghav Joshi, Gandhinagar’s assistant forest conservator, underlined the importance of the 76th Van Mahotsav drive’s mission during the closing remarks. He fervently urged all Gujarati villagers and citizens to get involved in this ongoing environmental struggle. In order to make the city greener and healthier for all of its residents, Shri Joshi’s call to action seeks to promote a sense of shared responsibility. This program supports larger national initiatives to boost biodiversity and expand forest cover. For such extensive environmental efforts to be successful, residents’ joint engagement is essential. Many states across India are running tree campaigns and inviting everyone—villages, schools, citizens- to plant trees and care for them. This creates a shared environment story.

The 76th Van Mahotsav celebration at RRU serves as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility to protect and nurture our environment for future generations. With millions of saplings planted, Gujarat’s successes in Van Mahotsav show how teamwork and care for nature can bring real change for our children’s future.