Get Muddy With Us: 2,500 Students Plant Futures

Bringing together 2,500 students from across the Telangana region for a day dedicated to environmental conservation and land restoration, the G20 Global Land Initiative at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, in collaboration with the Heartfulness Institute, successfully concluded the “Youth Acts - Planting for a Sustainable Future” event at Kanha Shanti Vanam, the global headquarters of the Heartfulness Institute in Hyderabad.

caption: Group photo of students and organizers at the event

The day featured hands-on tree planting, with students asking practical questions like, “How tall will this tree grow?” and “Can we visit our trees later?” A highlight was when three-year-old Renuka planted a sapling alongside Dr. Muralee Thummarukudy, Director of the G20 Global Land Initiative Coordination Office at UNCCD.

caption: Muralee Thummarukudy, Director, G20 GLI, with little Renuka planting a sapling

Following the planting, the students gathered at the meditation hall to listen to expert talks, where Dr. Thummarukudy emphasized how many of us do not realize where our food, medicines, and clothes come from and highlighted the importance of understanding these essentials to appreciate the need to protect our land.The event also included a quiz on UNCCD and G20 GLI. 

Dr. V. Ramakantha, IFS (Retd), Chairman of Forests by Heartfulness, said: "The Heartfulness Institute is thrilled to partner with the G20 Global Land Initiative and UNCCD for this pivotal event. Our goal is to inspire and equip young minds with the knowledge and passion needed to restore and protect our natural environment. Through initiatives like these, we can collectively work towards a greener, healthier world."

The event was not just about planting trees; it aimed to inspire young people to engage in environmental conservation. By involving youth in meaningful activities, it sought to plant the seeds of a sustainable future.