New Delhi, June 5, 2025 – To mark World Environment Day 2025, the Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (RAV), under the Ministry of Ayush, organized a Tree Plantation Drive at its premises in New Delhi. This year’s global theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution,” framed the event’s core message.
The initiative was led by Union Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for both the Ministry of Ayush and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. He was joined by Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry and Padma Shri awardee, along with Vaidya Vandana Siroha, Director of RAV.
During his address, Shri Jadhav emphasized the strong connection between Ayurveda and environmental conservation. “Ayurveda teaches us to live in harmony with nature,” he said. “Therefore, on World Environment Day, we reaffirm our commitment to a greener, healthier planet by planting trees and avoiding plastic.”
A wide variety of indigenous and medicinal plants were planted during the drive. Consequently, this act reflected traditional Ayurvedic wisdom, promoting the use of nature’s resources with responsibility.
Furthermore, the event raised awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution. Participants were encouraged to adopt eco-friendly habits. As a practical step, cloth bags were distributed to discourage the use of single-use plastics.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha highlighted how Ayurveda supports sustainable living by default. In addition, he underlined the Ministry’s long-term goal of aligning healthcare with environmental responsibility.
Meanwhile, renowned Ayurvedic expert Vaidya Devinder Triguna stressed the interdependence of ecology and health. “When the environment suffers, human health also declines,” he noted.
Vaidya Vandana Siroha reiterated RAV’s commitment to environmental education and public engagement. According to her, such events help youth and communities rediscover traditional values relevant to modern challenges.
Moreover, the plantation drive is part of a larger sustainability campaign by the Ministry and RAV. Their shared goal is to promote Ayurveda not only as a system of medicine but also as a way of sustainable living.
As a result, by planting trees and rejecting plastic, the Ministry encourages small, actionable steps that individuals can take. These include carrying reusable bags, growing medicinal herbs, and reducing plastic consumption.
The event was attended by Ayush officials, Ayurveda scholars, and many environmental supporters. It concluded with a collective pledge to reduce plastic use and work towards a cleaner planet.
Globally, World Environment Day serves as a reminder to protect nature. This year’s theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution,” resonates with global concerns over plastic waste in oceans and landfills.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Ayush’s initiative shows how Ayurveda and environmental action can work together. It advocates a lifestyle that is eco-conscious, rooted in tradition, and forward-looking.