Mokokchung, June 30, 2025 (nokinketer.in): In a vibrant celebration of girl child empowerment and environmental sustainability, the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW) – Mission Shakti and District Administration Mokokchung, in collaboration with Forerunners Mokokchung (organizers of Miss Mokokchung 2025) organized a plantation drive under the theme “Let’s Leaf a Legacy: A Plantation Drive for a Greener Tomorrow”. The initiative was held at Shisalen Riju, as part of the ongoing Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign.

The plantation drive aimed not only to foster a greener and healthier environment but also to honour and celebrate the value of every girl child. A key highlight of the event was that each tree planted was dedicated in the name of a girl child, symbolizing growth, hope, and the vital role of girls in shaping the future of the society. Name tags were placed alongside each sapling to personalize and mark this meaningful gesture.

The event began with a welcome address by Moamenla Longkumer, District Mission Coordinator (DHEW), who highlighted the significance of integrating women’s empowerment efforts with sustainable environmental action. The theme speaker, Ajay Moktan (IAS), Assistant Commissioner, delivered an insightful message on the importance of leaving behind a lasting legacy for future generations – not only through trees but also through nurturing the potential and capability of every girl child. He also mentioned two gifts: trees and daughters, which quietly give us life; both nurture without asking. And sadly, both have faced neglect & taken for granted. He remarked that the event marked our commitment to protect our daughter and our planet.

The Chairperson of the program Kato T Aomi, EAC (P) Mokokchung, emphasized that this plantation drive was not just a symbolic gesture but a real step forward in recognizing the contribution of girl child & women to society and the need to ensure a conducive environment is provided for their growth and participation in every sphere of society.

Sangtsui, EAC (P), stressed the importance of ownership in every planted sapling and encouraged the contestants to set an example of being stewards of the environmental sustainability and empowerment of women. While representatives from Forerunners Mokokchung shared words of encouragement, calling on the younger generation to carry forward the legacy of protecting nature while championing gender equality. The event also served as a platform to promote awareness about gender equality, the need for sustained community action, and the importance of preserving the environment for future generations. Various native saplings were planted across Shisalen Riju.

This initiative is a reflection of the District Administration, Mokokchung, and DHEW’s continued commitment to combining social empowerment with environmental responsibility. It is envisioned that the plantation drive will be a recurring annual event that strengthens the message of “nurturing nature, nurturing daughters”.

The event concluded with a collective pledge to care for the saplings and to stand for a future where every girl child grows in a world that values her and the environment she lives in.

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