Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, 26 July used the 136th edition of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' to spotlight record-breaking milestones under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, citing mass plantation drives in Ahmedabad and Uttar Pradesh and calling on citizens to weave tree planting into every significant life occasion. The campaign, which links environmental conservation to personal sentiment, has drawn participation from schoolchildren and NCC cadets to ordinary citizens across the country.

Record Plantation Drives

Modi highlighted two landmark achievements under the campaign. In the Bhadaj area of Ahmedabad, more than 25,000 people came together to plant over 3.5 lakh saplings within a single hour — a feat that has been recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records. The Prime Minister noted that the saplings planted during that drive are expected to grow into a dense urban forest over time.

Separately, Uttar Pradesh recorded a large-scale plantation effort on 12 July, when over 35 crore saplings were planted in a single day. Modi described the achievement as a 'matter of pride', noting his personal connection to the state as one of its Members of Parliament.

Wildlife Conservation and the Return of the Hornbill

The Prime Minister extended his conservation message beyond trees to wildlife, pointing to the return of the Indian Grey Hornbill to Gujarat's Gir forests after nearly six decades as evidence that sustained ecological restoration yields results. He described the Hornbill as the 'farmer of the forest', explaining that the bird consumes fruits and disperses seeds across wide areas, naturally regenerating tree cover.

'Trees are not just for humans; they are also home to countless living creatures. After nearly 60 years, the Indian Grey Hornbill is once again making its abode in the Gir forests of Gujarat. This is the result of years of conservation and restoration efforts in Gir,' Modi said during the broadcast.

Call to Link Nature with Personal Milestones

Urging citizens to deepen their engagement with the campaign, Modi asked every listener to connect a meaningful personal occasion — a birthday, an anniversary, a child's first day at school — with planting a tree in their mother's name. 'A small sapling planted today can become a legacy of greenery, clean air, and a beautiful future for generations to come,' he said.

This appeal builds on the original spirit of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative, which frames tree plantation as both an environmental act and an emotional tribute. The campaign has, according to government data, mobilised participation from all walks of life since its launch.

Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idols Appeal

Modi also revisited an appeal from the previous episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', in which he had encouraged citizens to celebrate Ganesh Utsav by installing idols of Lord Ganesha made from locally sourced clay rather than Plaster of Paris (POP) or imported idols. He said he had received positive responses from listeners who confirmed they had acted on his suggestion. Reiterating the appeal ahead of the upcoming festival, the Prime Minister said choosing eco-friendly idols would amount to 'worshipping nature itself.'

As the campaign continues to gather momentum, attention will now turn to whether the record plantation numbers translate into long-term forest cover gains — a metric that ecologists say requires sustained maintenance beyond the initial planting drives.