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On World Environment Day, the Mahindra Group reinforced its long-term commitment toward the environment with the announcement of its ‘citizens’ movement’ initiative- #CelebrateDifferently. Part of the larger theme of #RiseAgainstClimateChange, Mahindra’s new initiative aims to motivate citizens to plant a tree to celebrate the joyous milestones in their lives. Alternately, individuals who are not able to do so, can simply like, share or comment on #CelebrateDifferently and Mahindra will plant a tree on their behalf as a part of the Mahindra Hariyali initiative.
Planting trees, including improving forest management, conservation, and regeneration, will help offset India’s annual greenhouse gas emissions, as well as providing a host of wider environmental and socio-economic benefits.
Reiterating his thoughts on environment preservation, Anirban Ghosh, Chief Sustainability Officer, Mahindra Group, stated, “We will truly overcome the challenges posed by climate change only if we engage every citizen of India to join the movement. We are delighted to provide a platform for fellow Indians, particularly millennials, to contribute towards building a greener India. This would also enable the nation to meet its commitment to create a carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tons as promised in the Paris Climate Change Agreement. We are all in it together to #CelebrateDifferently by giving back more than we take from our planet!”
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“The World will always need people who think differently – what better way to celebrate a birthday than by planting a tree? Our commitment is to support them, for the benefit of everyone,” said Ruzbeh Irani, President Group Communications and Ethics & Chief Brand Officer, Mahindra Group
Under the Mahindra Hariyali project, the group has planted more than 16 million trees in the past 12 years with an annual commitment to plant 1 million trees every year. With this campaign, Mahindra group aims to motivate every citizen to be a part of this action, which will lead to realizing the aspiration i.e. ‘A Tree for Every Indian.’
Actor and author, Soha Ali Khan was present at the inaugural event and is the first citizen to join this movement. She said ” I truly believe, that the time to #RiseAgainstClimateChange is now. This World Environment Day, I have planted a sapling marking Kunal’s and my joy at seeing Inaaya take her first steps in pre-school. Celebrating these small joys and milestone moments makes life more beautiful. ”
Bittu Sahgal, Editor Sanctuary Asia and Founder, Sanctuary Nature Foundation, added, “Our climate crisis is real, and India is on track to be one of the most affected nations in the world on account of our large population that is cramped into a finite subcontinent. But within our cultures and our values lies the power to unite and fix what must be recognized as an existential problem. The opportunity lies in naturally regenerating India’s ecological systems – mountains, coasts, forests, grasslands, rivers, wetlands and lakes – that gave rise to our ancient civilization and making it a part of our celebration is a good starting point.”
