A senior citizen with Social Welfare Director Tosheli Zhimomi during tree plantation drive on June 5. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 5
World Environment Day was observed with planting of numerous tree species by 25 elderly residents of the Good Samaritan Senior Citizens’ Home, below High Court, Meriema, Kohima district, alongside officials from Department of Social Welfare (DSW), Nagaland and Senior Citizens Association of Nagaland (SCAN).
They propagated “Elders Protect Nature, Nature Protects Future Generations,” “Our Earth, Our Legacy- Together We Care” and “Plant Today, Breathe Tomorrow- Wisdom of Our Elders.”
This move was undertaken during the State Level observance of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” in commemoration with World Environment Day, organised by Department of Social Welfare, Nagaland under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”
Tosheli Zhimomi, Director, DSW said that the act of planting trees serves as a reminder that humanity belongs to the Earth and that the Earth, in turn, sustains all life.
The purpose of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (A Tree in the Name of Mother) campaign is to promote environmental conservation while honouring mothers by encouraging people to plant trees in their mothers' names.
Zhimomi noted that the campaign, launched on June 5, encourages citizens to plant a sapling as a living tribute to a mother’s love, care, and sacrifice. She remarked that fully grown trees provide shade, fruits, and shelter for all, much like mothers who spend decades nurturing, protecting, and supporting their families. She said that the saplings planted today hold immense potential, as they will grow to provide numerous environmental and social benefits for future generations.
Call for forest conservation, environment protection
SCAN President Dr Pihoto I Khala called for forest conservation and environment protection. He advocated that whatever the developmental activities taking place in the modern world should be eco-friendly and ensure that it does not harm the ecosystem. Dr Khala also called upon the gathering to put collective effort to ensure green hills, clean and healthy environment
Neithonuo T Liegise, Chairperson, Good Samaritan Senior Citizens’ Home thanked the social welfare department for supporting the Home in various forms.
Later, the social welfare department offered gift to the senior citizens as a sign of respect and care for them. The presentation was led by Imkongzenla, Joint Director, DSW. The programme was chaired by Akali Sema, Assistant Director, DSW while vote of thanks was proposed by K. Wango Langsym, Deputy Director, DSW.
The programme was followed by a plantation drive under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Mission Shakti Nagaland under the Department of Social Welfare, Nagaland.
