The C20 Global Seedball Campaign was officially launched in Puducherry with resounding enthusiasm and active participation from diverse stakeholders, including government officials, college and school students, NCC cadets, Rotary club, Auroville and esteemed dignitaries on 21st July. Organized by the Puducherry government in collaboration with Mata Amritanandamayi Math and the C20 Working Group on Sustainable and Resilient Communities, the event aimed to create awareness about sustainable practices and resilient communities for a greener and more sustainable future.
The launch ceremony witnessed students from various educational institutions coming together to understand, share, and promote the significance of seedball dispersal and reforestation efforts.
Hon’ble Lt. Governor of Puducherry, Dr.(Tmt).Tamilisai Soundararajan, delivered an inspiring inauguration address, emphasizing the importance of collective action for sustainable development. She recalled the wise words of Amma and highlighted the vital role of trees in providing oxygen and fostering a healthy environment. The Lt. Governor urged everyone to participate in more seedball campaigns and take responsibility for the well-being of nature. She stated, “Let us dedicate time to selfless service (seva) by planting trees daily or at least weekly. Seedballs are our tools for creating green, fertile lands. We should protect nature, worship it, and show gratitude by participating in tree planting campaigns. Like others before us planted trees for our benefit, let us do the same for our future generations. COVID-19 taught us the importance of environmental awareness. Let’s make use of this opportunity to serve nature and nurture our planet.”
Dr. Maneesha Sudheer, India Coordinator of the Sustainable Resilient Communities Working Group, extended a warm welcome to all attendees, emphasizing the significance of collaborative efforts in achieving environmental sustainability. Attendees were further inspired by a motivating video message from Amma.
In his presidential address, Thiru. N. Rangasamy, the Chief Minister of Puducherry, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to environmental conservation and lauded the efforts of all participants in making the C20 Global Seedball Campaign a reality in Puducherry.
Thiru. C. Djeacoumar, Hon’ble Tourism Minister of Puducherry, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the seedball campaign launch in Puducherry. He said, “With Amma’s grace, we gather here in Puducherry to launch the seedball campaign, and I am delighted to be part of this initiative. Among the planned 5 lakh seedballs, we have prepared around 50,000 to be scattered across Puducherry. I express my gratitude to Amma for providing us with this opportunity to serve nature. I urge students, schools, colleges, and the general public to seize this chance and take these seedballs, dispersing them in designated areas during the monsoon season. My heartfelt thanks to the organizers for this fantastic program in Puducherry.”
The event was graced by distinguished personalities, including Thiru. Selvam R, Hon’ble Speaker of Puducherry, Thiru. A. Namassivayam, Hon’ble Home Minister of Puducherry, Thiru. K. Lakshminarayanan, Hon’ble Tourism Minister of Puducherry, Thiru. C. Djeacoumar, Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture Forest and Wildlife, and Commodore Atul Kumar Rastogi, Deputy Director General NCC TN, Puducherry AN Directorate, who addressed the gathering and shared their support for the campaign.
Swami Ramakrishnananda Puri, Treasurer from Mata Amritanandamayi Math, delivered a benedictory address, inspiring the young generation to take responsibility for nurturing a sustainable planet. Certificates of appreciation were awarded to participating students, acknowledging their dedication to environmental causes.
The C20 Global Seedball Campaign at Puducherry is set to catalyze sustainable practices and resilient communities, inspiring the youth and fostering collaboration for a greener and more sustainable future.
