Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta has urged people to turn environmental protection into a mass movement. He said every tree planted and cared for today will benefit future generations and leave behind a meaningful legacy.
He encouraged citizens, especially young people, to play an active role in protecting nature. At the same time, he asked them to support efforts aimed at creating a drug-free society.
The Governor was speaking during a plantation programme held at APG Shimla University. The event was organised under the campaign 'Har Ped, Himachal Ka Abhiman - Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' in collaboration with the Nishkam Srijan Foundation.
Gupta said colleges and universities should promote sustainable development by encouraging students to care for the environment and contribute positively to society.
He stressed that tree plantation should not be treated as a one-day activity. Instead, it should be seen as a responsibility that continues long after the saplings are planted.
According to him, the real achievement of any plantation drive is not the number of saplings planted but how many of them survive and grow into strong trees.
Speaking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, the Governor said the initiative combines environmental awareness with India's cultural traditions in a meaningful way.
He said mothers give and nurture life, while trees help sustain life on Earth. Planting a tree in a mother's name is a way of expressing gratitude to mothers, nature and the nation, while also supporting a greener future.
The Governor also highlighted the Prime Minister's Mission LiFE initiative. He said simple lifestyle changes such as saving water, reducing plastic use, conserving energy and planting trees can make a major difference to environmental protection.
Calling the youth the country's biggest asset, Gupta urged students to plant at least one tree during their years in college and take responsibility for its growth. He said that when students return to their institutions years later, the tree they nurtured should stand as a reminder of their contribution to society and the environment.
The Governor also spoke about the growing challenge of drug abuse. He welcomed the Prime Minister's 'Nasha Mukt Yuva - Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan' and appealed to young people to stay away from drugs and educate others about their harmful effects.
He said the dream of a developed India can only be achieved if the country's youth remain healthy, responsible and empowered.
Urging students to lead by example, Gupta said they should become advocates for both environmental protection and a drug-free society. He added that these efforts would help build a stronger nation and support the vision of Viksit Bharat.
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