Balasore, Sept 17 (Krushna Kumar Mohanty): In a heartfelt tribute to nature and a step towards environmental responsibility, Fakir Mohan University today hosted the inspiring initiative of Govt of India, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,” alongside a university-wide cleanliness drive. The event was organized by the NSS Co-Unit of Fakir Mohan University, bringing together students, faculty, and staff for a collective effort towards sustainability and cleanliness.
The program began with a ceremonial tree plantation where participants planted saplings in memory of their mothers, symbolizing respect, gratitude, and the nurturing bond between nature and humanity. The activity encouraged students to take personal responsibility for the environment while fostering emotional connection and long-term care for the planted saplings of Mango, Neem, Champa, Karanja, Baula, etc.
Following the plantation drive, volunteers actively participated in a cleanliness campaign across the campus, collecting litter, sweeping pathways, and sensitizing fellow students on the importance of hygiene, waste segregation, and sustainable living practices, which is one of the hallmarks of FM University.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor Prof Santosh Kumar Tripathy said the initiative ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ was not just about planting trees but about cultivating a culture of care for the environment, for mothers, and for future generations. Coupled with the cleanliness drive, it reinforced the university’s commitment to making the campus greener, cleaner, and healthier.
Along with the Vice-Chancellor, the Chairman PG Council Prof Bhaskar Behera, faculty members, Coordinator NSS Prof Amulya Kumar Acharya, Programme Officers of the NSS Co-Unit Dr Pratima Pradhan, Dr Smrutirekha Sahoo, Mr. Avaya Nayak, and volunteers pledged to continue such eco-friendly and social initiatives regularly, turning the university into a model campus for environmental stewardship.
The event concluded with a sense of motivation where students vowed to nurture their planted trees and promote cleanliness in their surroundings, echoing Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.”
About the Author
