– M Rafi Ahmed
At a time when the nation is observing the 10th death anniversary of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on July 27, 2025, the members of Children Islamic Organisation (CIO), Coimbatore taking a cue from the inspiring quote of Missile Man of India– “Each one should plant a tree – Clean Planet, Clean Earth” took out an awareness rally at Karumbukkadai neighbourhood in the heart of the city.
The event was organised as part of the month-long nationwide “Hands in Soil, Heart with India” campaign which came to an end on July 25. Enthusiastic children under 12 drawn from different parts of Coimbatore city converged at the venue to take part in the rally which was flagged off from Islamiya Matriculation Higher Secondary School campus. The rallyists waded through various streets in the Karumbukkadai area and returned to the starting point.
JIH Tamil Nadu president P S Umar Farook presided over the eco drive by the children in the presence of District Child Protection Officer Hafsa, Forester Prabhu besides Karumbukkadai police station sub inspector Joseph. The dignitaries also addressed the children having a word of praise on their environmental protection initiative and urged them to ensure every dwelling, street and school environment is green and clean by planting saplings. CIO president Nabeela Karam welcomed the guests. CIO coordinator Anisha Parveen coordinated the event which had a great impact among the residents.
It is interesting to witness over 1000 odd participants at the valedictory event. The children in attire resembling trees, plants, flowers, vegetables and fruits besides donned as farmers walked at the awareness rally which was cynosure of all eyes. To be precise, the children attracted the public, parents and onlookers on street sides when they waded through the interior roads as part of the campaign.
In this context, it is pertinent to point that for the first time, the children chaired a press meet at Coimbatore Press Club led by CIO president Nabeela Karam and secretary Zainab besides other executives Sabiha (6th class), Raihan (6th class), Amraz (7th class) who briefed the media persons about the campaign.
Kudos to Coimbatore coordinator Anisha Parveen, who was instrumental in making the children address the maiden press meet which was talk of the town. In fact, they surprised the local media when they spoke in detail about environmental protection and the dire need to plant saplings to save the planet and earth. Notably, there were a plethora of programmes for students studying between in Class 1 to Class 7 bringing out the best out of the children in drawing, writing essays and penning poems besides elocution and what not. In Coimbatore, the sessions were held across 25 locations in the city.
The Tamil Nadu president for CIO Saleem Moideen, Vice Principal of Islamiya school was also present on the occasion. JIH public relations secretary Abdul Hakkim needs special mention for his untiring efforts in the smooth conduct of the rally. It is apt to recall what Dr APJ Abdul Kalam had said, “Trees are my guru. They continue to give unconditionally even when you pelt them with stones to take their fruit, and even if you cut them down. Trees give life. Let’s reciprocate that. Plant more trees.” A wonderful and timely gesture by CIO members across the nation.
[The author is former Indian Express and Deccan Chronicle chief]
