CICU organises grand mass plantation drive on occasion of Van Mahotsav

Ludhiana, July 8, 2025: The Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings (CICU) marked the annual Van Mahotsav — the Festival of Trees — with a grand and inspiring Mass Plantation Drive at the CICU Complex, Focal Point, Ludhiana. 

The event highlighted CICU’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and set a shining example of how the industrial sector can take a leading role in combating climate change and preserving the environment.

The drive witnessed the enthusiastic participation of industrialists, environmentalists, volunteers, and school children, all united by a common goal — to green Ludhiana and ensure a healthier, more sustainable future.

The event was honored by the presence of  R.K. Ratra, Chief Environmental Engineer, Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), as the Chief Guest. He commended CICU and its partners for their proactive efforts, calling the initiative a model of industry-community collaboration.

Also present was Supreet Kaur from EcoSikh, who passionately shared their vision of creating Miyawaki urban forests — the “Lungs of Ludhiana” — with a mission to plant over 10 lakh trees. 

CICU President  Upkar Singh Ahuja addressed the gathering, stating, “This mass plantation is not just a symbolic act — it’s a pledge to our city and our future generations. Every tree we plant today is a promise of cleaner air, better health, and a greener tomorrow.”

CICU General Secretary  Honey Sethi praised the zeal of participants, urging for consistent and united efforts to mitigate climate change. Other senior CICU leaders including Organizing Secretary J.S. Bhogal, Finance Secretary Ajay Bharati, and Joint Secretary Dr. S.B. Singh echoed these sentiments, reaffirming CICU’s ongoing support for ecological initiatives.

Representatives from Sambhav Foundation were also present and recognized CICU’s pivotal role in ecological restoration and sustainable development.
 
Meanwhile, as part of the Van Mahotsav celebration, the CICU Women Entrepreneurs Forum (WEF) delegation visited Government Senior Secondary Smart School, Sarabha Nagar, Ludhiana, to spread green awareness among the younger generation.

The delegation, led by Rajni Sethi, Co-convener of CICU WEF and a noted social activist, along with members Shelly Gupta, Aarti Kapoor, and Aishni Sethi, celebrated the occasion with students through an engaging and interactive session.

Students were gifted saplings with a message to care for them as green companions, fostering a deeper connection with nature.

A workshop was conducted on the importance of plants in our lives, highlighting simple yet powerful ways to protect our environment.

To make learning fun, a quiz on environmental conservation was organized, sparking curiosity and awareness among the children.

Rajni Sethi emphasized the importance of inculcating environmental values at an early age and lauded the school’s proactive approach to environmental education.

Hundreds of saplings were planted during the Mass Plantation Drive. Participants pledged to nurture these trees to maturity, thereby directly contributing to enhancing Ludhiana’s green cover and improving air quality.

Chief Guest R.K. Ratra said, “Such collaborative efforts between industry, civil society, and educational institutions are essential for making our cities more livable and resilient.”

This initiative is in alignment with EcoSikh’s Miyawaki Forest Project, working to restore Ludhiana’s ecological balance.

The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by the CICU organizing committee, followed by a hi-tea for all guests and participants. CICU extended sincere gratitude to Sambhav Foundation, EcoSikh, PPCB, school authorities, and all volunteers for their collective efforts in making the event a grand success.

CICU calls upon the wider Ludhiana community — industries, schools, and citizens — to join hands in nurturing these trees and becoming active participants in the journey toward a greener, cleaner, and healthier tomorrow.