The Embassy of India in Kuwait, in collaboration with ARMS4U, organised a special tree plantation drive at Rawda Park on Saturday, October 24, to commemorate 65 years of diplomatic relations between India and Kuwait. The event was held under the Indian government's flagship environmental campaign, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (Plant a Tree in Honour of Mother), promoting environmental protection, sustainability and community participation.
The initiative brought together Kuwaiti dignitaries, ambassadors residing in Kuwait, diplomats, Indian community representatives, families and schoolchildren. Students from Carmel School also actively participated in the plantation drive, demonstrating their commitment to environmental awareness and the importance of building a greener future.
Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Paramita Tripathi, addressed the gathering and highlighted the significance of the campaign, which combines respect and gratitude towards mothers with a collective responsibility to protect Mother Earth.
The ambassador explained that mothers play an essential role in nurturing and supporting their children, just as nature sustains life on the planet. Planting a tree in honour of one's mother symbolises appreciation, care and a commitment to safeguarding the environment for future generations.
The “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign was launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 5, 2024, coinciding with World Environment Day. Since its introduction, the initiative has encouraged individuals and communities across India and several other countries, including Kuwait, to plant trees as a tribute to their mothers and the natural environment.
Ambassador Tripathi emphasised that the participation of Kuwaiti friends, diplomats, Indian expatriates and children demonstrated the strong bonds of friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation between India and Kuwait.
She underlined that environmental protection transcends national boundaries and provides a common platform for people of different nationalities and backgrounds to work together towards a sustainable future.
Highlighting the importance of involving younger generations, the ambassador said that encouraging schoolchildren to participate in tree plantation activities would help develop environmental responsibility from an early age.
She explained that planting and nurturing trees teaches children the value of protecting nature and encourages them to make environmental conservation a lifelong commitment. The saplings planted during the event would also serve as lasting reminders of their participation and contribution to a greener society.
Referring to Kuwait's desert climate and challenging environmental conditions, Ambassador Tripathi stressed that tree plantation initiatives have particular importance in the country.
Trees help improve air quality, provide shade, support biodiversity and contribute to a healthier natural environment. Expanding green spaces through public participation can therefore play a meaningful role in strengthening environmental sustainability in Kuwait.
The ambassador also connected the initiative with the historic milestone of 65 years of diplomatic relations between India and Kuwait.
She expressed hope that the friendship and cooperation between the two countries would continue to grow stronger in the coming years, just as the newly planted trees would gradually develop strong roots and flourish.
The tree plantation programme also served as an opportunity to strengthen people-to-people connections between the two friendly nations. The participation of both Kuwaiti and Indian residents highlighted the importance of community-based environmental initiatives in promoting shared values and mutual cooperation.
Ambassador Tripathi expressed appreciation to the Kuwaiti authorities, ARMS4U, Carmel School, participating students, families, Indian community organisations and members of the media for their contributions to the successful organisation of the programme.
The Embassy of India particularly acknowledged the cooperation of ARMS4U in coordinating the plantation drive and encouraged community organisations and residents to support similar environmental programmes in the future.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to environmental conservation, sustainable development and strengthening the longstanding friendship between India and Kuwait.