Presented with ‘Vriksha Vedam 2.0’; invokes Pancha Bhuta wisdom, lauds 19.6 crore saplings mission New Delhi, April 9: In a powerful blend of ancient wisdom and modern environmental urgency, President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu called upon the nation to reconnect with nature through “spiritual intelligence,” warning that humanity stands at a critical crossroads between opportunity and ecological crisis. The President was presented with “Vriksha Vedam 2.0”, authored by Joginipally Santosh Kumar, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The event highlighted India’s civilizational ethos of environmental harmony rooted in the Vedas and Upanishads, and its continued relevance in addressing present-day climate challenges. Quoting a sacred verse from the Taittiriya Upanishad, the President explained the concept of Pancha Bhutas—Akasha (Space), Vayu (Air), Agni (Fire), Jalam (Water), and Prithivi (Earth)—as the fundamental elements of existence. Emphasizing that human life is inseparable from these elements, she called for a conscious return to ecological balance and respect for nature. Describing the current phase as both Amrit Kaal and Aapad Kaal, the President cautioned against unchecked greed and environmental neglect, urging citizens to adopt sustainable lifestyles and take collective responsibility for protecting the environment. Praising the Green India Challenge, she noted that the initiative has planted over 19.6 crore saplings in eight years, transforming environmental conservation into a nationwide people’s movement. She also acknowledged key initiatives including restoration of reserve forests, plantation of 20,000 mangroves in the Sundarbans, and the flagship Koti Vriksharchana programme. Launched in 2018 with the slogan “Hara Hai Toh Bhara Hai”, the campaign has grown from Telangana into a nationwide and global movement, drawing participation from citizens, policymakers, and industry leaders. The President expressed confidence that such collective efforts would significantly strengthen India’s green cover and climate resilience. Among those present were Rajya Sabha members K. R. Suresh Reddy, Vaddiraju Ravichandra, and B. Pardhasaradhi Reddy, along with Shri Santosh Kumar, Shri M. Karunakar Reddy, and Shri Sanjeevula Raghavendra. The event concluded with a strong message: India’s ancient ecological wisdom holds enduring solutions to modern environmental challenges, and every citizen must act to preserve the balance of nature for future generations. (Disclaimer: The above content is a press release and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR