Sneh Asha Foundation Encourages Students to Adopt Saplings Instead of Just Planting Them

Unlike traditional plantation events where trees may be planted and later forgotten, students from Grade 6 and above were assigned individual saplings in the school garden.

Their role included watering the plants, protecting them and regularly monitoring their growth.

The Foundation planned to follow the progress of every sapling during the academic year, turning a one-day environmental activity into a long-term learning experience.

Mrs. Siddhi Chauhan Jaiswal, Founder of Sneh Asha Foundation, encouraged students to see every sapling as a friend rather than simply another plant.

Students were encouraged to nurture and protect the trees they planted, with the message that meaningful environmental change comes through responsibility and continued care.

The initiative emphasized that planting a tree is only the beginning. The real achievement lies in ensuring that the sapling grows into a healthy tree over the years.

The event was presided over by Mrs. Snehalata Dumbre, Superintendent (Schools), City Zone.

She connected the initiative with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nationwide 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign.

Students were reminded that trees contribute to clean air, ecological balance, rainfall and efforts to reduce the effects of climate change.

The initiative encouraged children to view tree care as an act of gratitude towards nature and future generations.

The Foundation also highlighted Maharashtra's 'Harit Maharashtra, Samruddha Maharashtra' vision, which promotes sustainable development alongside environmental conservation.

Students were encouraged to understand that creating a greener Maharashtra cannot be achieved through government efforts alone.

The initiative emphasized that lasting environmental change also depends on citizens, especially young people, remaining committed to caring for the trees they plant.

Every student also received a plantable seed pencil as part of the environmental initiative.

Once the pencil becomes too small to use, students can plant the remaining stub in soil, where it can grow into a plant.

The seed pencil was intended to reinforce the message that sustainability does not end after a single event and can become part of everyday life.

Large-scale plantation drives are organized by governments, schools and social organizations across India, but their long-term success depends on the survival and maintenance of planted saplings.

By asking students to adopt trees instead of simply planting them, Sneh Asha Foundation's initiative focuses on responsibility, continuity and environmental education.

The programme demonstrates how schools can transform a traditional awareness event into an ongoing commitment and help young people understand that protecting nature requires care every day.