On November 20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali participated in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, planting a sapling together to highlight their shared commitment to sustainability. The campaign encourages people to plant trees in honor of their mothers and pledge to protect the environment.
A Special Gesture for Sustainability
Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude, calling the tree planting ceremony a “special gesture” that symbolizes the commitment to environmental protection. He tweeted, “A shared commitment to sustainability!” alongside a photo of the two leaders planting the tree. The ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ movement, launched on World Environment Day, invites citizens to take part in preserving nature by planting trees.
The Campaign’s Environmental Impact
The initiative aims to combat land degradation and restore eco-damaged lands. Through this campaign, participants are urged to plant trees and make a promise to protect Mother Earth, supporting India’s broader goals of sustainable development.
Strengthening India-Guyana Ties
The tree planting was part of PM Modi’s landmark state visit to Guyana, the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 56 years. During the visit, PM Modi and President Ali held extensive talks on strengthening ties in areas such as defense, energy, health, and infrastructure. PM Modi also noted the importance of India and Guyana’s relationship, particularly the significant role the Indian diaspora plays in Guyana’s development.
Commitment to Climate Justice
Both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to climate justice and agreed to continue pursuing progress through dialogue, diplomacy, and the reform of global institutions.
Exchange of MoUs and Future Cooperation
During the visit, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged between India and Guyana, further cementing their growing cooperation in various sectors. The talks also included areas such as agriculture, telemedicine, Ayurveda, and capacity building.
