Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday marked World Environment Day by planting a sindoor sapling at his official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. The sapling had been presented to him by a group of women lauded for their courage during the 1971 war.
The sapling planted by PM Modi on World Environment Day was gifted to him by the courageous women of Madhapar village in Gujarat’s Kutch district, known as the 'Viranganas' of the 1971 war. These women, including Shambai Bhanderi and Kaanbai Virani, were among the nearly 300 who famously rebuilt the bombed Bhuj airstrip in just 72 hours under the constant threat of Pakistani air raids.
Their heroic efforts enabled the Indian Air Force to swiftly resume operations during the conflict. Modi had met these women during a recent visit to Bhuj, where they presented him with the sindoor sapling — now planted at his residence as a living tribute to their indomitable spirit and the nation’s gratitude.
The gesture has acquired added symbolic weight, with many viewing it as a tribute to the recently executed Operation Sindoor—India’s military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
"This plant will remain a strong symbol of the valour and inspiration of women of the country," Modi said in a post on social media platform X.
Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi also took part in a special tree plantation drive at the Bhagwan Mahavir Vanasthali Park in Delhi as part of the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign.
Also read: Memorial park dedicated to Op Sindoor to come up near Bhuj
He said the initiative is aimed at strengthening reforestation efforts under the Aravalli Green Wall Project, a key ecological restoration drive focused on reviving the degraded Aravalli range.
During his recent visit to Kutch, Gujarat, the Prime Minister met the group of women, who honoured him with the saplings. Deeply moved by the gesture, Modi assured them he would plant one at his residence—a promise he fulfilled on World Environment Day.
The choice of the sindoor plant is steeped in cultural and political significance. Traditionally, sindoor or vermilion is worn by married Hindu women, symbolising the sanctity of marital life and family. India’s military named its operation after the Pahalgam attack "Operation Sindoor", to underline its intent to respond decisively to the terrorist assault, which targeted civilians based on religious profiling.
In a video message released on Thursday, the Prime Minister urged nations to rise above narrow self-interest to combat climate change. He also highlighted this year’s World Environment Day theme—ending plastic pollution—and underlined India’s sustained efforts over the past five years in this regard.
Modi pointed to India’s flagship environmental initiative, Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), which encourages individuals to adopt sustainable practices and mindful consumption. He said the initiative was gaining momentum globally and that lakhs of citizens had embraced the principles of "reduce, reuse and recycle" in their everyday lives.
"Let us deepen our efforts towards protecting the planet and overcoming the challenges posed by environmental degradation," Modi said in a separate post on X. "I also compliment all those working at the grassroots to make our environment greener and better."
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