– Mohammed Talha
Bengaluru: In a country grappling with rising temperatures, deforestation, and environmental degradation, a quiet but powerful revolution is underway – led not by politicians or policy-makers, but by children.
Under the inspiring banner “Hands in Soil, Hearts with India”, the Children Islamic Organisation (CIO) has launched a nationwide campaign to plant and care for one million trees between 25 June and 26 July 2025. The movement, rich in purpose and deeply rooted in Islamic values of stewardship, seeks to instil in children a lifelong respect for nature and a spirit of national service.
The campaign recently witnessed a vibrant expression in BTM Layout, Bengaluru, where CIO’s local unit organised a green rally on 13 July from Cambridge School to Bismillah Park under the watchful guidance of CIO mentors. The rally drew more than 450 enthusiastic children and 60 volunteers, forming a colourful, energised procession carrying placards, chanting slogans, and spreading awareness on the importance of planting trees.
After the rally, participants gathered at Bismillah Park, where the real action unfolded – the planting of 50 saplings. The event drew distinguished guests including Syed Tanveer Ahmed, Secretary of JIH (Markaz), Rizwan Nawab, Vice Chairman of KSRTC, local Corporator Manjunath, and several school administrators. Children from six institutions – including Excellent English School, Cambridge Modern Public School, Lily Rose School, BET School, and the local Government School – joined hands, literally, to plant hope into the soil.
The plantation activity was further strengthened through collaboration with E-Cure Charitable Trust, an environmental NGO, whose representative David extended support on-ground.
Meanwhile, similar scenes are playing out across India. From the smallest madrasa courtyard to bustling neighbourhood parks, children are naming their saplings, nurturing them, and creatively documenting their green journeys through art, poems, and social media videos. Each planted sapling is more than a tree – it is a living testament to a child’s commitment to a greener future.
The campaign’s philosophy is simple yet profound: “Where every child plants a tree, a greener world will bloom.” Through Friday sermons, Green Pledge ceremonies, nature walks, and storytelling sessions, the initiative aims to make environmental care a habit, not a one-off gesture.
CIO’s collaboration with local authorities and departments ensures that healthy saplings, protected green zones, and educational resources on environmental stewardship are made accessible to children. As a national platform for nurturing Islamic character, leadership, and social consciousness, CIO is successfully translating value-based mentorship into real-world action.
Speaking to Radiance, Awatif, the City Convenor of the campaign, said: “We are not just growing trees; we are growing a generation of responsible citizens who understand that caring for the Earth is an act of faith.”
With participation swelling by the day and community support pouring in, CIO’s green mission is not just a campaign – it is rapidly becoming a movement. As children across India dig into the soil with hearts full of hope, the message is clear: Plant a Tree. Protect the Earth. Be Proud.
