If people link special life events with environmental conservation, positive societal change can be achieved
Inspired by Padma Shri Janak Palta McGilligan, Pooja Ahirwar plants 111 saplings at Devguradiya on her birthday
Indore
Inspired by and in the gracious presence of the renowned environmentalist and Padma Shri Awardee Dr Janak Palta McGilligan, Pooja Ahirwar—a medical social worker with ICMR-NITHR Jabalpur and Secretary of the Tapasya Nari Seva Samiti Charitable Trust—planted 111 saplings on Devguradiya Hill, dedicating her 32nd birthday to environmental conservation. Pooja shared that she was inspired during Janak Didi’s , 75th birthday celebration—when her well-wishers planted 75 saplings with her—and since then have travelled from Jabalpur every year on her own birthday to plant tree saplings and fulfil her responsibility toward nature.
Speaking on the occasion, Janak Palta McGilligan emphasized that nature conservation is not solely the government's responsibility but a moral obligation for every citizen. She noted that if people link special life events with environmental conservation, positive societal change can be achieved. She urged everyone to contribute to environmental protection by planting and nurturing saplings instead of using plastic balloons, thermocol, and other polluting decorative materials during birthdays and other celebrations. This special plantation drive was made possible through the immense support of Ranger Mrs Sangeeta Thakur (Indore Forest Department), Mr. Pravin Malviya (Devguradiya), and the team from the Scintech Eco Foundation.
Students associated with Padma Shri Janak Palta McGilligan participated enthusiastically in the event. These included Social Work students Isha Yadav, Priyanshi Mandloi, Sagar Jatwa, and Yogeshwari Chauhan; Political Science students Rajdeep, Rani, Monica, Hemlata (CHO), Riya, and Shailendra Yadav; interns Tuhina Jha, Vinod Yadav, and Dhruv ,and Shaeen all from Devi Ahilya University . All these students pledged to celebrate their future birthdays by planting saplings. Pooja expressed her deep gratitude to everyone involved.
