Pooja Ahirwar Celebrates 32nd Birthday by Planting 111 Saplings on Devguradiya Hill
- Pooja Ahirwar celebrated her 32nd birthday by planting 111 saplings.
- The plantation drive was organised on Devguradiya Hill in the presence of environmentalist Janak Palta McGilligan.
- The initiative encouraged people to celebrate birthdays by planting trees instead of using polluting decorative materials.
- Students from Devi Ahilya University pledged to plant saplings on their birthdays in the future.
Medical social worker Pooja Ahirwar, who is associated with ICMR-NIRTH Jabalpur and serves as the secretary of the Tapasya Nari Seva Samiti Charitable Trust, celebrated her 32nd birthday by planting 111 saplings on Devguradiya Hill. Instead of a traditional birthday celebration, she chose to dedicate the occasion to nature conservation, spreading awareness about environmental protection through meaningful action.
The plantation drive was organised in the presence of noted environmentalist Janak Palta McGilligan, whose lifelong work in sustainable living and environmental education has inspired thousands of people across India.
Inspired by Janak Palta McGilligan's Green Birthday Celebration
During the programme, Pooja Ahirwar shared that her inspiration came from Janak Palta McGilligan's memorable 75th birthday celebration, where 75 saplings were planted to mark the special occasion. Witnessing that unique celebration encouraged her to adopt a similar tradition in her own life.
She said that every year she travels from Jabalpur on her birthday to plant saplings as a personal commitment towards protecting nature. According to her, birthdays should not only celebrate an individual's life but also contribute something valuable to society and the environment.
Her annual plantation initiative reflects a growing movement that encourages replacing conventional birthday celebrations with environmentally responsible activities that leave a lasting positive impact.
Nature Conservation is Everyone's Responsibility
"Nature conservation is not solely the government's responsibility but a moral obligation for every citizen."
Addressing the gathering, Janak Palta McGilligan urged participants to understand that protecting the environment requires collective participation. She explained that every individual has an important role in preserving natural resources and ensuring a greener future for coming generations.
She further stated that linking personal milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries and family celebrations with tree plantation can inspire wider social change while making celebrations more meaningful and environmentally friendly.
Janak Palta McGilligan also appealed to citizens to avoid using plastic balloons, thermocol decorations and other polluting materials during celebrations. Instead, she encouraged people to plant saplings and nurture them throughout their lives, creating memories that benefit both society and nature.
Forest Department and Eco Foundation Extend Their Support
The plantation drive received valuable support from several individuals and organisations dedicated to environmental conservation. Their collective efforts ensured the smooth execution of the programme while reinforcing the message of community participation in protecting nature.
- Sangeeta Thakur from the Indore Forest Department
- Pravin Malviya of Devguradiya
- Scintech Eco Foundation
Students Participate in Plantation Drive and Take Green Pledge
The plantation programme also witnessed enthusiastic participation from students associated with Janak Palta McGilligan. Their active involvement reflected the growing awareness among young people about environmental conservation and sustainable living.
Students from different academic disciplines came together to plant saplings, learn about ecological responsibility, and support the message that every celebration can become an opportunity to contribute positively towards nature.
Social Work Students Who Participated
The following Social Work students actively participated in the plantation drive:
- Isha Yadav
- Priyanshi Mandloi
- Sagar Jatwa
- Yogeshwari Chauhan
Political Science Students Who Joined the Plantation Drive
Political Science students also joined the initiative and contributed to making the programme successful. The participants included:
- Rajdeep
- Rani
- Monica
- Hemlata
- Riya
- Shailendra Yadav
Interns from Devi Ahilya University
Interns representing Devi Ahilya University also participated enthusiastically in the plantation programme. They included:
- Tuhina Jha
- Vinod Yadav
- Dhruv
- Shaeen
Their participation highlighted the importance of involving students and young professionals in environmental activities that create long-term awareness and inspire responsible citizenship.
Students Pledge to Celebrate Future Birthdays by Planting Trees
One of the most inspiring moments of the programme came when the participating students collectively pledged to celebrate their future birthdays by planting saplings instead of focusing only on traditional festivities.
The pledge reflected a growing commitment among the younger generation to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles and contribute towards environmental sustainability through simple yet meaningful actions.
By connecting personal milestones with tree plantation, the students promised to inspire their families, friends and communities to participate in similar initiatives in the coming years.
Pooja Ahirwar Expresses Gratitude
At the conclusion of the plantation drive, Pooja Ahirwar thanked everyone who contributed to the successful organisation of the event. She expressed her appreciation to Janak Palta McGilligan, the supporting organisations, volunteers, students and all participants who joined hands in making the initiative a memorable celebration of nature.
She said that every planted sapling represents hope for a greener tomorrow and encouraged everyone to take responsibility not only for planting trees but also for nurturing them until they become healthy and self-sustaining.
Why Eco-Friendly Birthday Celebrations Matter
Across India, more people are beginning to replace conventional birthday celebrations with environmentally responsible activities such as tree plantation, cleanliness drives and community service. Such initiatives reduce waste, minimise pollution and leave behind a lasting positive impact on society.
Pooja Ahirwar's decision to plant 111 saplings on her birthday serves as a powerful reminder that individual actions can inspire collective change. Her initiative demonstrates that even a personal celebration can become an opportunity to contribute towards environmental conservation while motivating others to follow the same path.
- Pooja Ahirwar celebrated her 32nd birthday by planting 111 saplings on Devguradiya Hill.
- She drew inspiration from Janak Palta McGilligan's 75th birthday plantation initiative.
- Janak Palta McGilligan encouraged people to replace plastic decorations with tree plantation.
- The programme was supported by the Indore Forest Department, Pravin Malviya and the Scintech Eco Foundation.
- Students from Devi Ahilya University participated and pledged to celebrate future birthdays by planting trees.
- The initiative promoted environmental awareness, community participation and sustainable celebrations.