76th Van Mahotsav
- sssorgdkl
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
Samajik Seva Sadan recently organised the 76th Van Mahotsav in Kansbahal village on 5th July 2025, bringing together the entire community with the shared goal of raising environmental awareness and promoting climate action through tree plantation.
The festival began with an inspirational address from Mr. Pradeep Bhutia, Forest Ranger of Bargaon, who reminded attendees that tree planting is “not just a government initiative, but a shared responsibility of every individual.” His call to action resonated deeply with the gathered villagers and guests.
Following this, Mr. Alexander Kerketta, Programme Director of Samajik Seva Sadan, spoke with urgency about the need for forest conservation in light of growing climate challenges, urging every participant to take concrete, on ground steps toward afforestation and contribute towards regenerative capacity of the forest and required selfless community collective actions.
This message was tenderly balanced by Mrs. Veronica Dung Dung, the organisation’s Secretary, who introduced the beautiful theme “A Tree for Mother.” She encouraged each attendee to plant a sapling in honour of their mother—blending familial love with respect for Mother Earth in a powerful gesture.
At the close of the formal session, Mr. Praful Kumar Naik, a retired Block Agriculture Officer, extended heartfelt gratitude to all who made the event possible—officials, volunteers, and villagers alike.
The program truly came alive with nearly one thousand medicinal plant saplings were planted across seven acres of land. Families, schoolchildren, community elders, and guests worked side by side, digging holes, staking the young plants, and giving them their first drink of water. The cheerful chatter of participants mingled with sounds of celebration, reflecting a shared spirit of teamwork and care.
As the planting concluded, every participant came forward to join in a simple but meaningful environmental pledge. They promised to look after the newly planted trees, conserve the earth’s natural resources, and practice environmentally friendly habits in everyday life. This collective vow turned a single-day event into a lasting commitment—a commitment to nurture not only the saplings but also a sustainable way of life.
This year’s Van Mahotsav was more than a traditional tree planting ceremony—it was a heartfelt endeavour to connect people with nature. The touching “A Tree for Mother” theme added a deeply personal dimension, while planting 1,000 native medicinal trees brought real ecological benefit. Through motivating speeches, community action, and a shared pledge, the event sowed seeds of hope and responsibility, reminding all participants that caring for the planet is both a personal and communal journey rooted in love, respect, and a promise of a greener tomorrow.