Students, saplings and sustainability: CBSE's green push begins

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has asked schools across India to actively participate in a tree plantation drive under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” campaign.

The initiative, which builds on the success of last year’s programme, will be carried out from June 5 to September 30, 2025, aligning with the monsoon plantation season.

A CBSE official said the campaign, implemented through Eco Clubs in schools, aims to foster environmental consciousness among students while promoting sustainable living practices. Educational institutions have been encouraged to plant saplings within school premises, along roads leading to schools, at students’ homes, or in suitable public spaces. The initiative hopes to build a deeper connection with nature and highlight the importance of environmental stewardship.

To make the drive more meaningful, schools have been asked to motivate students to plant saplings alongside their mothers. This symbolic gesture is intended to strengthen both family bonds and the connection with Mother Earth. In addition, schools are encouraged to place placards next to each sapling, displaying the names of the student, their mother, and the species of the tree planted.

In an effort to blend tradition with technology, the campaign also proposes the use of QR codes for each tree species. These codes will provide botanical information, enabling students to deepen their understanding of plant biodiversity. Students are further encouraged to document the plantation activity by taking selfies, creating personal memories and inspiring others to take part.

The saplings planted under the drive are to be nurtured and maintained by students, with teachers from Eco Clubs guiding them as part of the Mission LiFE initiative. This long-term engagement is expected to instil a strong sense of responsibility and care for the environment among young citizens. Schools across the country are set to play a key role in this green movement, reinforcing their position as centres of environmental education and action.