In a powerful convergence of environmental stewardship and civic responsibility, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) organized the nationwide "एक पेड़ मां के नाम" (Ek Ped Maa K Naam) campaign under the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 initiative. Held at the Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) campus in New Delhi on September 25, 2026, the event witnessed active leadership and participation from senior government functionaries, underscoring the central role of ecological preservation in India's journey toward sustainable development.

Spearheaded by Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, the Hon'ble Minister of State (MoS) for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the event went beyond conventional bureaucratic observances. It served as a community-driven call to action, blending the emotional reverence associated with motherhood with the urgent national imperative of combating climate change, expanding green cover, and institutionalizing cleanliness as a core societal value.

Key Highlights & Major Announcements

  • High-Level Leadership: The event at the AQCS New Delhi campus was personally led by Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Hon'ble MoS, DAHD.
  • Core Initiative: Implementation of the "एक पेड़ मां के नाम" campaign, originally conceptualized by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, linking emotional ties with ecological protection.
  • Cleanliness Drive: A comprehensive sanitation and cleanliness drive was executed across the entire AQCS campus to promote hygiene as an everyday lifestyle choice.
  • SHS 2026 Theme: Focused strictly on this year's guiding motto: "Participation in Cleanliness; Clean India, Developed India."
  • Long-Term Nurturing Mandate: Emphasized that planted saplings must be cared for meticulously like one's own child to ensure high survival rates and lasting environmental impact.

Contextual Analysis: Merging Ecological Conservation with Public Sanitation

The simultaneous execution of the "Ek Ped Maa K Naam" plantation drive and the Swachhata Hi Seva cleanliness campaign at a specialized institutional facility like AQCS highlights a holistic administrative approach. Animal Quarantine and Certification Services operate as critical nodes in safeguarding India's livestock health, biosecurity, and international trade compliance. Maintaining pristine, green, and sanitized campuses within such critical animal husbandry institutions sets a benchmark for public infrastructure across the country.

Swachhata Hi Seva has evolved over the years from a mere annual sanitation event into a massive social movement (Jan Andolan). By integrating tree plantation into the sanitation framework, the Ministry has broadened the scope of cleanliness to encompass ecological health. Clean surroundings lose half their value if the surrounding atmosphere is degraded by pollution and deforestation. Thus, planting trees in the name of mothers creates a psychological and cultural anchor that deters neglect and ensures sustained public involvement.

"The 'एक पेड़ मां के नाम' campaign, launched by our respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, connects nature's nourishment with our mothers' affection. When we plant a tree in our mother's name, we don't just plant a tree, we plant life for the future. These plants shall be taken care of like our own child, so that in the future, that tree can care for us like our mother."
— Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Hon'ble MoS, DAHD

Significance & National Impact

As India marches resolutely toward its vision of becoming a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) by 2047, milestones cannot be measured through economic output alone. Ecological resilience and public health are foundational pillars of a developed nation. Programs like Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 demonstrate how grassroots policy execution can successfully channel public sentiment into tangible national assets.

The emphasis on Jan Bhagidari (public participation)—highlighted during the event—reinforces the principle that government policies alone cannot transform a country without active citizen ownership. Whether it is keeping public spaces garbage-free or nurturing saplings into mature urban and semi-urban forests, every individual action contributes to the macro-economic and environmental stability of India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the "Ek Ped Maa K Naam" campaign?

The "Ek Ped Maa K Naam" campaign is a national tree plantation initiative launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. It encourages citizens to plant a tree as a tribute to their mothers, merging deep emotional respect with active environmental conservation.

What was the theme of Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026?

The theme for Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 is "Participation in Cleanliness; Clean India, Developed India," emphasizing that public participation is vital for achieving national development goals.

Where was the specific DAHD event held on September 25, 2026?

The event was organized by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) at the Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) campus in New Delhi, under the leadership of MoS Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel.

How does this campaign align with India's broader development goals?

By promoting cleanliness, biosecurity, and mass afforestation, the campaign strengthens public health, environmental sustainability, and community engagement, which are essential prerequisites for a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India).

Official Source & Verification

This article is grounded on the official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India (Release ID: 2315091, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying). Access the official document: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2315091&lang=1.