Massive Eco-Social Drive in Pune Marks Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti

Pune, 16th April 2025: In a powerful tribute to the 135th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the Environment Wing of the Republican Party of India (A) launched a large-scale eco-social initiative in Pune. The campaign blended environmental awareness with public service, delivering tangible benefits to thousands of citizens.

As part of the initiative, the party distributed 15,000 food packets, 25,000 water bottles, 5,000 saplings of native tree species and Tulsi plants, and 500 kilograms of laddoos—all free of cost. In a bid to promote sustainable living, eco-friendly cloth bags were also handed out to the public. The drive was held under the banner “Plant Trees, Save Trees,” with an emphasis on biodiversity conservation and health awareness inspired by Ayurvedic principles.

The event was inaugurated by Balasaheb Janrao, State Secretary of RPI (A), who offered floral tributes to the statue of Dr. Ambedkar. The program was attended by several prominent figures, including Chandrakant Patil, Minister of Higher and Technical Education; Madhuri Misal, Minister for Women and Child Development; Murlidhar Mohol, Former Mayor and State Minister; MLA Sunil Kamble, and Former MLA Jaydev Gaikwad.

Now in its seventh consecutive year, the initiative has evolved into a model of grassroots engagement and environmental action. This year’s program was coordinated by Balasaheb Janrao, Parshuram Wadekar, Pune City President Sanjay Sonawane, Mandar Joshi, Shailendra Chavan, and Environmental Department Head Nilesh Rokade.

Dozens of volunteers were instrumental in executing the event, including Shyam Sadafule, Rohidas Gaikwad, Mahipal Waghmare, Praful Kakade, Ashok Kamble, Rajesh Gade, Sulabha Rokade, Pratik Janrao, Sangamitra Gaikwad, Baburao Ghadge, Chintamani Jagtap, Vikki Walke, Nisha Rokade, Vikas Londhe, Anuradha More, Nikhil Bhosale, and Ayush Gupta.

The initiative was supported by Samyak Trust and Nplants Nursery & Landscape Services. During the program, a resolution was adopted to continue organizing similar eco-social drives every year on Ambedkar Jayanti.

The campaign’s core message echoed throughout the event:
“Plant trees with love, extend help with compassion, and sow the thoughts of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar in the minds of the people.”