Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the growing role of public participation in driving environmental conservation and sustainability initiatives across the country during the 132nd edition of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat.
Emphasising that collective efforts can lead to transformative change, the Prime Minister said that even small individual actions, when combined, can create a significant national impact. He pointed to several inspiring examples from across India where communities have come together to contribute to environmental protection.
Citing a major achievement from Varanasi, PM Modi noted that over 2.51 lakh saplings were planted in a single hour, setting a new Guinness World Record. He underlined that the success of the initiative was driven by widespread participation from students, youth, voluntary organisations, and institutions.
He also referred to the nationwide “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, under which millions of trees have been planted, reflecting a strong sense of environmental responsibility among citizens.
Highlighting grassroots conservation efforts, the Prime Minister spoke about Chizami village, where women have taken the lead in preserving over 150 varieties of traditional seeds. These include rice, millet, maize, pulses, vegetables, and medicinal herbs, all conserved in a community-managed seed bank.
Describing the initiative as both culturally significant and forward-looking, PM Modi said such efforts not only safeguard traditional knowledge but also strengthen food security and sustainability for future generations.
He reiterated that public participation remains central to India’s development journey and called upon citizens to continue contributing to environmental conservation and nation-building efforts.
