By Annie Gomez for BISMumbai

In a heartfelt ode to both Mother Earth and motherhood, Don Bosco Senior Secondary School, Nerul, proudly launched the green initiative “Ek Ped / Paudha Maa Ke Naam” in July 2025. Spearheaded by the visionary leadership of Principal Mrs Kalyani Chaudhuri, the programme was designed not merely as a plantation drive, but as an emotional and ecological journey—nurturing values of care, gratitude, and sustainability among students across all age groups.

 The initiative initially took root in the Foundational Stage, followed by the Middle Stage, transitioned into the Secondary Section, and culminated beautifully in the Preparatory Stage. Conducted on different days to encourage focused participation and meaningful engagement, the initiative rippled across the school community, inspiring green consciousness at every level.

 In each section, students brought a flower pot and sapling or seeds from home, adding a deeply personal and heartfelt touch to the activity. The school supported the process by providing nutrient-rich soil and organic compost generated through its in-house waste management system. Age-appropriate gardening tasks and the guidance of teachers ensured a rich, hands-on learning experience for every student.

 The highlight of the initiative was the Secondary Section event held on July 30, 2025, where students of Classes IX to XII participated with spirited enthusiasm. Each class contributed a plant known for its ecological and medicinal significance: Class IX offered Aloe Vera, Class X brought Mint, Class XI provided Lemongrass, and Class XII contributed Tulsi. These selections were symbolic, representing the nurturing, healing, and life-giving qualities shared by both plants and mothers—perfectly capturing the essence of the initiative.

 After school hours, the event commenced with a powerful Green Pledge, bringing together students, teachers, and two Parent Guardians from each class in a united promise to protect and respect nature. Their presence reinforced the school’s belief in the collaborative power of home and school in cultivating sustainable values.

 Following the pledge, students planted their saplings in designated garden plots, joyfully using garden tools and school-provided resources. A specially set-up Selfie Point added a light-hearted moment, allowing families to capture the joy of planting and mark their shared commitment to environmental care.

 As Rudra Koli of Class IX C remarked, “This activity brings you closer to nature—and it’s so much fun too!”

 “Ek Ped / Paudha Maa Ke Naam” is more than just a green initiative—it is a living legacy of environmental stewardship, emotional connection, and shared responsibility. It continues to sow seeds of awareness and gratitude in the hearts of young learners—one pot, one child, and one pledge at a time.