On April 22, World Earth Day transformed Nehru Park in New Delhi into a hub of diplomatic greenery. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) hosted a plantation event where high commissioners and ambassadors from various nations planted trees under PM Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, underscoring global solidarity for eco-preservation.
Leading the voices was Malaysia’s Dato’ Muzffar Shah Mustafa, who thanked NDMC profusely. He linked the gesture to Malaysia’s forest cover target of 50%, positioning it as a modest yet meaningful contribution to New Delhi’s air quality and biodiversity efforts.
Kuljeet Singh Chahal, NDMC Vice Chairman, drew a heartfelt analogy: trees mirror a mother’s unconditional care, offering oxygen and sustenance. ‘We must nurture them as they nurture us. These weekly drives invite friends from abroad to embrace this philosophy,’ he explained, urging reciprocity to nature’s bounty.
Portuguese envoy Joao Manuel Mendes Ribeiro de Almeida, a repeat participant, extolled plants’ role in building human connections and resilience. ‘This PM Modi idea brings us closer to sustainability,’ he noted gratefully.
For Philippines’ Maria Cynthia P. Pelayo, the day held poignant timing—exactly two decades after her mother’s passing. ‘Participating in this initiative feels like a blessing; I’ve planted in her honor,’ she shared emotionally.
Seychelles’ Harisoa Lalatiavana Acoche celebrated her recurring involvement, tying it to shared visions with India and her island nation’s eco-leadership. ‘I’ll cherish memories of these trees long after,’ she promised.
Guyana representative Ronalda Edwards Horacio highlighted her country’s climate leadership, viewing the event as a commitment to sustainability, maternal values, and collective planetary rescue.
This gathering amplified Earth Day’s call to action, blending diplomacy with dendrology to plant seeds of hope for cleaner skies and healthier ecosystems worldwide.
