– Hina Farhaan
When the Children Islamic Organisation (CIO) launched its month-long plantation mission “Hands in Soil, Hearts with India” on June 25, 2025, the aim was both simple and ambitious: mobilise one million children across India to plant trees. Yet behind that goal was a vision far deeper – to plant seeds of responsibility, unity, and faith in the hearts of the next generation.
From its very first day, the campaign proved that this was no ordinary tree-planting drive. It was a movement, a nationwide classroom without walls, and an awakening of young hearts for the care of Allah’s creation.
A Historic Launch – Led by Children
The official inauguration at CIO Markaz in New Delhi set the tone for the weeks ahead. In a landmark moment, the campaign was launched with a children-led press conference – the first of its kind in the organisation’s history. Before rows of cameras and reporters, CIO’s young representatives spoke with poise, conviction, and purpose.
Ramla (Delhi), Syed Nabigh Azhaan Husaini (Hyderabad), and Yousuf (Delhi) addressed the nation with words that cut through age barriers. They explained why planting trees was not just an environmental act but a spiritual duty, urging communities to join the cause. Their confidence signalled a defining feature of this campaign – children would not just participate, they would lead.
Clear Objectives, Big Vision
The campaign’s blueprint rested on five objectives:
- Plant one million trees as sadaqah-e-jariyah and a green gift to the nation.
- Instil environmental responsibility through action-based learning.
- Link Islamic teachings with environmental stewardship.
- Promote unity through interfaith plantation events.
- Nurture leadership by giving children active planning and speaking roles.
The Green Wave Across India
In just four weeks, “Hands in Soil, Hearts with India” transformed cities, towns, and villages into living classrooms. Every halqua, muqam, and circle found creative ways to engage children and communities.
Tamil Nadu hosted an Interfaith Plantation Day, bringing together Muslim, Hindu, and Christian schoolchildren to plant saplings in a public park. The day ended with shared snacks, laughter, and a promise to care for the plants together. Children also visited farms, interviewed local farmers in their fields, and learned first-hand about the role of trees in sustaining agriculture.
Madhya Pradesh witnessed a touching story: a group of orphans adopted a roadside plantation strip, pledging to water and protect the plants daily. CIO children also visited masjids, madrasas, and Islamic schools to spread awareness, meeting with the city’s Shahar Qazi to gain moral and religious support.
Maharashtra made environmental awareness part of the school routine. During morning assemblies, students took environmental pledges, formed human chains, and staged eco-skits that illustrated the dangers of deforestation.
Punjab organised plantation drives in community parks and schools, linking them with awareness talks that drew parents and elders into the conversation.
Rajasthan saw an explosion of eco-rallies and public talks. From narrow lanes to open grounds, children marched with Quranic verses on placards, chanting slogans about caring for Allah’s creation.
Karnataka blended heritage with hope. CIO children held special press conferences, visited the historic Lal Bagh gardens, and planted trees alongside horticulture experts. They also engaged with special-needs students, planting together in a spirit of inclusivity.
Chhattisgarh planted trees in schools for differently-abled children, making it a day of joy, empathy, and shared responsibility.
Uttar Pradesh turned creativity into advocacy. Competitions in essay writing, poster-making, and street theatre highlighted the consequences of neglecting nature, with children’s works displayed publicly to inspire local communities.
Telangana adopted a barren public garden, transforming it into a green space through sustained plantation and care. CIO children also joined hands with markazi zimmedars for city-wide plantation drives. They also planted trees with blind children.
Gujarat conducted awareness events in schools, planted hundreds of saplings in public grounds, and encouraged students to “adopt” trees as part of their daily routine.
Delhi continued to lead from the front, with children holding press conferences, organising plantation drives in parks, and involving senior CIO leaders to amplify the campaign’s visibility.
And many other states worked together to make this campaign a success.
Beyond Trees – Planting Skills and Values
This mission went far beyond saplings. Activities included:
- Islamic Dars and Awareness Talks before Jumu’ah (Friday prayers), connecting environmental care with Sunnah.
- Street Plays and Eco-Rallies featuring Quranic slogans.
- Gift-a-Plant Initiatives, where children presented saplings to local officials, scholars, and neighbours.
- Workshops on plant care, water conservation, and sustainable living.
- Creative Competitions linking art, literature, and Islamic values.
Through these, children learned leadership, teamwork, creativity, and public speaking.
Faith at the Core
The campaign continually reinforced that caring for environment is part of Islamic responsibility. Hadiths about planting were shared widely, reminding everyone that even planting a tree on one’s last day is a blessed act. As Muhammad Azqa (Rajasthan) put it, “We are living the Sunnah with every plant we put in the soil.”
The Final Week – Celebration and Commitment
As July 26 approached, every state held concluding events to review achievements and celebrate contributors. Children shared experiences, data was compiled, and dua gatherings sought Allah’s blessings for every planted tree.
The national concluding event on July 29 was both emotional and inspiring. In my address, I reminded everyone:
“This campaign may be ending, but the mission will live forever. The real growth is not just in the soil – it’s in the hearts of our children.”
A Network of Thanks
This mission was possible thanks to the leadership of Syed Tanveer Ahmed, S. Ameenul Hasan, and Dr. Khan Mubashsharah Firdous, supported by Maulana Siraj Uddin, Khalid Parwaz, Nasreen Shakir, Abdul Naim, Shazia Bari, Bushra Rehman, and Asra Baig Sahiba.
Creative and media contributions by Asra Baig, Zuha, and others gave the campaign its visual and digital presence.
The Legacy Lives On
Today, lakhs of saplings stand as living symbols of this mission. Yet the deeper legacy lies in the children – young ambassadors who now see themselves as custodians of the Earth. Environmental clubs, follow-up plantation care plans, and interfaith dialogues will ensure the mission continues.
As one participant wrote in her diary:
“Humne sirf ped nahi lagaye, humne umeed lagayi hai – ke kal hamara hara bhara hoga.”
(We didn’t just plant trees; we planted hope – that tomorrow will be green and flourishing.)
[The writer is National Campaign Convenor, CIO India]
