Bratislava, April 11 – Slovak Republic President Peter Pellegrini has shown keen interest in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tree-planting initiative, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,” expressing that Slovakia could consider adopting a similar programme to promote environmental consciousness and maternal tribute.
President Murmu Highlights PM Modi’s Initiative in Slovakia
The sentiment was shared during a symbolic tree plantation event in Nitra, the oldest town in Slovakia, as part of President Droupadi Murmu’s two-day state visit to the country. Speaking at the event, President Murmu introduced the Indian initiative that encourages people to plant a tree in their mother’s name.
“She described the initiative to the President of Slovak Republic, who found this very interesting, and remarked that Slovakia too could consider undertaking such an initiative,” said Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs.
A Symbolic Gesture in Nitra
The event, held in a public park in Nitra—located about 100 km from Bratislava—also saw the participation of city Mayor Marek Hattas. The two Presidents jointly planted a Linden tree, which holds national significance as the Slovak Republic’s official tree.
Nitra is home to the Tata Motors JLR plant, the largest Indian investment in Central Europe, underscoring the growing economic ties between India and Slovakia.
Strengthening Diaspora Connections
Later in the day, President Murmu engaged with the Indian diaspora, which now numbers around 6,000 in Slovakia—a fourfold increase over the past five years. She encouraged them to serve as “brand ambassadors” of India abroad.
President Murmu also spoke of India’s transformative development journey, highlighting major infrastructure programmes such as Gati Shakti, Bharat Mala, Sagarmala, and the Smart Cities Mission.
She emphasized the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative as a driver of India’s rise as a global manufacturing hub. “Our youths have made India the third-largest startup hub in the world, and a powerhouse in e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and several other sectors,” she added.
Global Echoes of a Green Tribute
Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, introduced on World Environment Day last year, urges individuals globally to plant a tree in honor of their mothers. He had personally planted a peepal tree in New Delhi to kickstart the movement.
President Pellegrini’s openness to the idea marks a symbolic gesture of Indo-Slovak cooperation and shared values in sustainable development and environmental awareness.
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