Meet Neha Kushwaha a 19 year old student who started a nation wide tree plantation campaign

Initiative

Neha Kushwaha started a nationwide tree plantation initiative as a tribute to her ancestors, in keeping with the vedic wisdom. Under this endeavour, a total of 3292 trees have been donated and planted till date. The campaign is aptly named as Purvajon Ki Yaad Mein Paudhropan (Plantation in Memory of Forefathers),  and it aligns with Vedic wisdom, recognising various elements, including the Earth, as divine entities.

Neha was guided by her science teacher, Manish Kumar, and she started this initiative by identifying vacant lands in villages for tree plantations. With support from her father, Ramendra Singh Kushwaha, and Manish Kumar, she highlighted the environmental benefits of planting trees on cremation grounds. The awareness campaign extended to local communities, urging them to contribute to environmental well-being.

To increase their footprint beyond their village, Neha and her team also raised awareness at weddings, birthdays, and religious events, encouraging people to plant trees symbolically. Their slogan, “Ham Hi Samasya Ham Hi Samadhaan, Rakhein Paryavaran Ka Poora Dhyaan” (We are the problem, we are the solution, Pay complete attention to the environment) emphasises individual responsibility for environmental conservation.

Taking further her spirit of environmental conservation, Neha also launched a digital card promotion campaign to reduce paper wastage during events like weddings. This initiative aims to save money spent on traditional cards while promoting environmental sustainability.

Impact of Neha’s Plantation Drive

Neha’s plantation drive has gained significant success. Till date she has planted 3292 saplings under this initiative, inspiring and raising awareness among more than 35,000 people.

Neha's tree-plantation initiative wasn't just about planting saplings; it was also about working towards a greener future. She started this initiative with only an idea that has now become a plantation movement. The 3000+ trees that she has planted so far aren't mere numbers; they represent a commitment to environmental sustainability and her dedication to creating a healthier planet for future generations.

Neha's journey wasn't without its challenges. Converting skeptics into passionate participants, overcoming logistical hurdles, and ensuring long-term sapling survival required unwavering determination. Yet, Neha bravely faced every challenge and stood by her belief in the power of collective action. Her efforts have contributed to reducing approximately 734 kilograms of carbon dioxide absorption from these trees, emphasizing the significance of environmental conservation.

Over 35,000 individuals have been inspired by Neha's dedication, joining her in planting trees, spreading awareness, and fostering a sense of environmental responsibility. Schools, communities, and organizations have embraced her initiative, recognizing its potential to combat climate change and create a more vibrant future.

Recognition

Despite facing skepticism and criticism initially, Neha's initiative gained significant recognition, featured in Sony Sab TV's Baal Veer serial's 756th episode. This exposure led to widespread recognition through social media, print, and electronic media.

In addition to being acknowledged on television, Neha also received recognition in various other domains. On October 11, 2019, Union Minister Smriti Irani bestowed on her the title of "Bharat Ki Lakshmi" via her Twitter handle. Acknowledging her contributions for the academic year 2017-18, on August 12, 2021, at New Delhi's Vigyan Bhavan, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Anurag Thakur, presented Neha with the National Youth Award. Furthermore, in January 2023, the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, honoured her with the National Water Hero Award.

Neha Kushwaha is a finalist for Most Socially-Relevant Initiative because of her commitment to sustainable development and the marshalling of volunteers for collective action to promote the environmental cause of tree plantation.

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