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Key Points

Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored the brave 'Viranganas' of the 1971 India-Pakistan War by planting a Sindoor sapling at his official residence. These remarkable women had risked their lives to rebuild the Bhuj airstrip in just 72 hours, enabling crucial air strikes during the conflict. On World Environment Day, Modi not only commemorated their courage but also emphasized the importance of environmental protection. The sapling planting is part of the ambitious 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Par 2.0' initiative, which aims to plant 10 crore trees across India by September.

Key Points: Modi Honors 1971 War Viranganas with Sindoor Sapling Planting

  • Gujarat women rebuilt critical Bhuj airstrip in 72 hours during war
  • 13 surviving 'Viranganas' blessed Modi with saplings
  • Part of Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Par environmental initiative
  • Aims to plant 10 crore trees across India
2 min read

PM Modi plants Sindoor sapling given by 1971 war 'Viranganas' at official residence

PM Modi plants sapling gifted by courageous Gujarat women who rebuilt Bhuj airstrip during 1971 India-Pakistan War

"This #WorldEnvironmentDay, let's deepen our efforts towards protecting our planet - PM Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, June 5

On the occasion of World Environment Day that is celebrated on June 5 each year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi planted a Sindoor sapling at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Thursday.

During his recent visit to Kutch, a group of women who had shown remarkable courage in the 1971 war met PM Modi and presented Sindoor saplings to him.

During the 1971 India-Pakistan war, the Bhuj airstrip was rendered unusable by bombings by enemy airplanes and 300 women in Gujarat risked their lives to help rebuild it in 72 hours which helped India launch its air strikes.

During an event in Bhuj on May 26 this year, PM Modi interacted with 13 of the surviving women, who are known as 'Viranganas.' The women blessed him and presented him with a few Sindoor saplings.

PM Modi was touched by this gesture and said that he would plant the Sindoor saplings at his official residence.

In keeping with that promise, on Thursday he planted a Sindoor sapling at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.

Earlier, greeting the nation on World Environment Day, PM Modi urged the people to deepen efforts towards protecting planet Earth.

In a post on his X handle, the Prime Minister wrote on Thursday, “This #WorldEnvironmentDay, let’s deepen our efforts towards protecting our planet and overcoming the challenges we face. I also compliment all those working at the grassroots to make our environment greener and better.”

He is also slated to plant a sapling at Mahavir Jayanti Park in Delhi as part of the celebrations and initiatives organised across India on the occasion of World Environment Day and also to celebrate the anniversary of 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Par', an initiative that was launched by the PM to protect the environment as well as honour the motherland and motherhood.

The ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Par 2.0’ initiative aims to plant 10 crore trees between June 5 and September 30 this year across India.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What a beautiful gesture by our PM! Honoring the Viranganas while promoting environmental consciousness is truly inspiring. These women are real heroes of 1971 war - their contribution to rebuilding Bhuj airstrip is legendary. 🇮🇳🌱 #Respect
P
Priya M.
While I appreciate the sentiment, I hope this symbolic act translates into more concrete environmental policies. Our cities desperately need better waste management and pollution control. The 10 crore trees initiative is good, but we need systemic changes too.
A
Arjun S.
The story of these 300 women rebuilding Bhuj airstrip gives me goosebumps every time! They deserve Bharat Ratna in my opinion. Planting the sapling is a fitting tribute to their sacrifice. More such stories from 1971 war should be taught in schools.
N
Neha T.
Sindoor plant is so symbolic - represents both our culture and environment. Hope this inspires more people to plant native species. In my housing society, we've started 'one plant per family' initiative after seeing PM's Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign. Small steps matter!
S
Sanjay P.
The real story here is about ordinary women doing extraordinary things for the nation. While PM's gesture is good, I wish media would focus more on these Viranganas' lives post-1971. What challenges did they face? How many are still with us? Their complete stories need to be told.
M
Meera D.
World Environment Day should be about action, not just symbolism. While I appreciate the PM planting the sapling, I hope the government also takes stronger action against industries polluting our rivers and air. The Ganga cleanup project needs more urgency!

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