27-Aug-2022: PM participates in Khadi Utsav at the Sabarmati River Front, Ahmedabad

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi participated in Khadi Utsav at the Sabarmati River Front, Ahmedabad today. Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel, Member of Parliament, Shri C R Patil, State Minister, Shri Harsh Sanghvi and Shri Jagdish Panchal, Mayor of Ahmedabad, Shri Kiritbhai Parmar and Chairman of KVIC, Shri Manoj Kumar were those present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister recalled his personal connection with Charkha and remembered his childhood when his mother used to work on Charkha. He said, “The bank of Sabarmati has become blessed today as on the occasion of 75 years of independence, 7,500 sisters and daughters have created history by spinning yarn on a spinning wheel together.” He added that spinning on charkha is nothing short of worship.

He noted the technology and design excellence of the ‘Atal Bridge’ that he inaugurated today. He said that the bridge is a tribute to Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee who was always loved and revered by the people of Gujarat. “Atal Bridge is not only connecting the two banks of the Sabarmati river, but it is also unprecedented in design and innovation. The famous kite festival of Gujarat has also been taken care of in its design”, he said. Shri Modi also noted the enthusiasm with which the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign was observed in India. He said celebrations here reflected not only the patriotic feeling but also reflected the resolve for a modern and developed India. “Your hands, while spinning yarn on the Charkha are weaving the fabric of India”, he added.

The Prime Minister said, “History bears witness that a thread of Khadi became the force of freedom movement, it broke the chains of slavery.” He further added that the same thread of Khadi can become a source of inspiration to fulfil the promise of a developed India and thereby fulfilling the dream of a self-reliant India. “A traditional strength like Khadi can take us to new heights”, he said. This Khadi Utsav is an effort to revive the spirit and history of the freedom movement and an inspiration to achieve the resolutions of New India, he added.

He recalled his Panch-Prans that he proclaimed on 15th August, from the Red Fort. “At this holy place, on the banks of Sabarmati, I want to repeat the Pancha-Pranas. First - the great goal in front of the country, the goal of making a developed India. Second - the complete abandonment of the slavery mentality. Third - taking pride in our heritage, Fourth- making strong efforts to increase the unity of the nation, and Fifth- civic duty. He said that today’s Khadi Utsav is a beautiful reflection of the ‘Panch Prans’.

The Prime Minister dwelled on the neglect of Khadi in the period after independence. “At the time of the freedom movement, Khadi, which Gandhiji made the symbol of the country's self-respect, was infused with an inferiority complex after independence. Because of this, Khadi and the village industry associated with Khadi were completely destroyed. This condition of Khadi was very painful, especially for Gujarat”, he said. He expressed pride that the task of reviving Khadi took place on the land of Gujarat. The Prime Minister emphasised the pledge by the Government of ‘Khadi for Transformation’ to ‘Khadi for Nation, Khadi for Fashion’. He said, “We started spreading the Gujarat success experiences across the country.” The problems which were related to Khadi across the country were resolved. We encouraged countrymen to buy Khadi products. The Prime Minister also acknowledged the contribution of women in the process of revival of Khadi. “Women power is also a major contributor to the growing strength of India's Khadi industry. The spirit of entrepreneurship is ingrained in our sisters and daughters. The proof of this is also the expansion of Sakhi Mandals in Gujarat”, he added. He informed that in the last 8 years, sales of Khadi increased four times and for the first time, the Khadi and Gramodyog turnover crossed one lakh crore. The sector created 1.75 crore new jobs also.  He said that the financial inclusion schemes like Mudra Yojana are boosting entrepreneurship.

Highlighting the benefits of Khadi, the Prime Minister said that it is an example of sustainable clothing, eco-friendly clothing and it has the least carbon footprint. There are many countries where the temperature is high, Khadi is also very important from the point of view of health. Hence, Khadi can play a huge role at the global level. He said this in sync with the growing trend of back to basic and sustainable living at the global level.

The Prime Minister appealed to the people of the country to gift only the products made in Khadi Village Industries in the upcoming festive period. “You can have clothes made of different types of fabrics. But if you give place to Khadi in that, then the Vocal for Local campaign will gain momentum”, the Prime Minister said.

Recalling that in the past decades, India's own prosperous toy industry was getting destroyed in the race for foreign toys, the Prime Minister highlighted that with the efforts of the government and the hard work of our brothers and sisters associated with the toy industries, the situation has now started changing. As a result, there is a huge decline in the import of toys.

The Prime Minister also asked people to watch the ‘Swaraj’ serial on Doordarshan. The serial depicts the story of the great freedom fighters and their struggle in great detail. Families should watch the series in order to understand and know about the sacrifice of our forefathers for our independence.

Khadi Utsav

It has been a constant endeavour of the Prime Minister to popularise Khadi, generate awareness about Khadi products and promote the use of Khadi amongst youth. As a result of the efforts of the Prime Minister, since 2014, the sale of Khadi in India has witnessed a four-fold increase, whereas, in Gujarat, the sale of Khadi has witnessed a massive eightfold increase.

In a one of its kind event being held as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Khadi Utsav is being organized to pay tribute to khadi and its importance during the freedom struggle. The Utsav will be organised at Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad and will witness 7500 women khadi artisans from various districts of Gujarat spinning charkha live at the same time and at the same place. The event will also feature an exhibition showcasing the “Evolution of Charkhas” by displaying 22 Charkhas from different generations used since the 1920s. It will include charkhas like “Yerwada Charkha” which symbolises the charkhas used during the freedom struggle, to the charkhas with the latest innovations and technology used today. A live demonstration of the production of Ponduru Khadi was also done. During the event, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the new office building of the Gujarat Rajya Khadi Gramodyog Board and ‘Atal Bridge’, a foot-over bridge at Sabarmati.

28-Jul-2022: Hariyali Mahotsav

The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change had organized “Hariyali Mahotsav”, the  Tree Festival, at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi, on 8th July,2022 for celebrating tree plantation and commemorating 75 years of Independence as ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’. The event was organised in collaboration with the State Governments, Police Institutions of NCT Government of Delhi and Schools of Delhi for undertaking plantation drives and awareness generation to protect environment.

More than 2500 people participated in person including School Students from Delhi, Members of Eco-Task Force, and Members of Non-Government Organisation along with officials from various Ministries participated in the programme.

On the occasion of ‘Hariyali Mahotsav’ ceremonial plantations like 75 Nagar Vans, 75 degraded forest sites, along 75 km of road, around 75 Police establishments in Delhi and in 75 schools of Delhi were undertaken across the country through people’s participation involving School Children, NGOs, Civil Societies, officials of Police and other Govt. departments. 

The Ministry has issued several advisories for involvement of people encouraging their participation in various tree plantation programmes on occasions like Van/ Hariyali Mahotsav, World Environment Day, and World Forestry Day etc. States and UT Governments carry out various afforestation drives to achieve their afforestation targets including mass plantation drive involving public participation.

8-Jul-2022: Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change celebrates “Hariyali Mahotsav” – Tree Festival

The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change organized “Hariyali Mahotsav” - Tree Festival, at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi, today celebrating the nation’s zeal for planting trees and saving forests.  The event was organised in collaboration with the State Governments, Police Institutions of NCT Government of Delhi and Schools of Delhi for undertaking plantation drives on the occasion and creating awareness about the importance of trees to protect our environment for present as well as future generations.

Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, called the nation forward to make the environment green and highlighted that protection of rivers, mountains and environment is a deeply embedded Indian sentiment as inscribed in our national song ‘Vande Mataram’. Lauding the participation of thousands of school children from Delhi, Delhi Police, officials of Delhi Forest Department, officials from M/o Environment, Forest and Climate Change, civil societies/NGOs and institutions from all across the country in joining the festival of “tree planting” in person and those who joined through virtual mode across the country, he urged people to follow environment friendly lifestyle to save our planet. Tree plantation is one of the actions towards Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)as announced by the Prime Minister in CoP 26 at Glasgow and it is a need for all of us to come together to take LiFE forward as a campaign.

Today’s programme involves planation activities at 75 Nagar Vans, 75 km of road length around 75 Police establishments, in 75 schools of Delhi and 75 degraded sites across the country which are clear indication that people are not only welcoming but willing for participation in nature conservation. He appreciated the efforts of the nation in already achieving the country’s target of producing 175 GW of renewable power and moving with full force in reaching the renewed target of creation of 500 GW of renewable energy, as announced by Hon’ble Prime Minister at CoP26. India has committed to meet 50 percent of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030. He also shared the achievements and benefits of Soil Health Card Scheme launched by the Prime Minister. Till date about 23 crores soil health cards have been issued which shows our commitment towards health of soil.

Referring to the Prime Minister’s call for sustainable environment, Shri Yadav said that not only do we need to progress, provide energy, give people a respectable life, but at the same time, we need to resolve to save the earth.  He said that India has a population of 17% of the world yet it accounts for only 4% of carbon emission while other developed nations with the same percentage of population account for nearly 60% of carbon emission.  Therefore, India has demonstrated to the world the essence of mindful consumption of resources.  He appealed to the children to take up professions that would enable them to work towards green energy.

He underlined the importance of ban on single use of plastics from 1st July and requested for shared responsibility from the citizens of the country in its full implementation and also informed the efforts being directed in creation of alternative solutions for an eco-friendly sustainable future.  India hosts rich biodiversity and in spite of the various anthropogenic challenges faced, the country thrives with 52 tiger reserves and 31 elephant reserves and many other endemic, vibrant wildlife and rich forests.

Shri Bhupender Yadav appealed to the students and the youth to work towards the resolve of the Prime Minister through plantation of trees, cleanliness, working in the field of new energy, keeping the earth green and developing a scientific attitude to save the world along with working on their careers in the future.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey said that tackling climate change is among the major challenges confronting the world.  He reiterated PM’s clarion call for Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) and highlighted the importance of trees in Indian Vedas and mythology.  The Minister shared his resolve to plant trees continuously over the next 2 months and urged the nation to not only plant trees but also nurture them.

Secretary, Smt. Leena Nandan expressed that everyone has a relation with nature and todays’ program is marked not only for plantation of trees but also symbolises the celebration of 75 years of Independence as ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’. She appealed to the children to not only resolve to plant trees but also spread the message to every individual they come across.

Commissioner of Police, Shri Rakesh Asthana; Director General of Forests &Special Secretary, Shri Chandra Prakash Goyal; PCCF NCT of Delhi, Shri C.D. Singh and Additional Director General of Forests, Dr. S. P. Yadav and other senior officers of MoEF&CC also participated in the event. The children from various schools of Delhi and other stakeholders also joined the celebration. The event started with a Nukkad Natak from the school children of ASN Senior Secondary School, Delhi giving key messages on tree plantation and substituting the plastic from our life and also gave message through a pledge on save trees and protect our planet. The programme reached the pinnacle with a green concert being played by the famous Grammy award winner, Indian music composer Ricky Kej. As the music play a significant means of creating awareness especially immediate imprinting on the youth’s mind, this green concerts was organised highlighting the important role played by flora, fauna and rivers in the conservation of environment and biodiversity.

7-Jul-2022: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to organize Hariyali Mahotsav

Commemorating the 75th year of “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav”, this year, “Hariyali Mahotsav” is being celebrated by MoEF&CC at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi tomorrow.  The Mahotsav is being organized to create awareness about the importance of trees and green cover to protect our environment against air pollution and global warming. Trees and forests play a very crucial role in maintaining an ecological balance and contribute to the environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, climate amelioration, conserving water, preserving soil, and supporting wildlife.

This Mahotsav marks the endeavor to plant saplings in order to invest towards building a secure future for future generations to come.

The event symbolizes a unison of nation coming forward and engaging in mass plantation drives at various levels to increase the green cover of the country with the help of mass media, civil societies, schools and colleges.

The programme involves planation activities at 75 Nagar Vans, 75 km of road length around 75 Police establishments, in 75 schools of Delhi and 75 degraded sites across the country. The event is being held in the august presence of Shri Bhupender Yadav, Hon’ble Minister EF&CC, Labour and Employment, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Hon’ble MoS, EF&CC. Ms. Leena Nandan, Secretary, MoEF&CC and Shri C. P. Goyal, DGF&SS, MoEF&CC and other senior officers of MoEF&CC will also participate in the event. The children from various schools of Delhi and other stakeholders would also be joining the celebrations. The event will kick off with a Nukkad Natak on the importance of trees in our lives. The programme shall culminate with a concert by Grammy award winner, Indian music composer and environmentalist, Ricky Kej.

6-Jul-2022: “Hariyali Mahotsav” to be organized by Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change

Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change will be organizing “Hariyali Mahotsav” on 8th July, 2022 at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi in the spirit of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”.

Hariyali Mahotsav, the “Tree Festival” is being organized to create awareness about the importance of trees in sustaining not only the life of the present generations but also to secure the future of forthcoming generations. Trees play extremely important role in mitigating adverse effects of climate change. This Mahotsav is perceived as an effective tool to instill enthusiasm among masses for forest conservation and planting trees. It holds immense importance in complementing the policy and program initiatives of the government towards environmental conservation. Hariyali Mahotsav is celebrated across the country in recognition of the crucial role of Forest/Greenery in maintaining the ecological balance and providing many ecosystem services to the planet.

Hariyali Mahotsav 2022 is being organized by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in collaboration with the State Governments, Police Institutions and Schools of Delhi for undertaking plantation drives on the occasion. Ceremonial Plantation drives are being organized with participation of 75 Nagar Vans throughout the country, 75 Police Stations and 75 Schools in Delhi/NCR and 75 degraded plantation sites in the different states as part of this Mahotsav.

The event would be graced by Union Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Labour & Employment, Shri Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey and Lieutenant Governor, GNCTD, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena.

The highlight of the event includes a concert by Ricky Kej.