Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister exhorted each family to plant trees in the coming monsoon season, and to take pride in the number of trees planted by the family, just the same way as they take pride in worldly possessions.

The Prime Minister said that living in harmony with nature is the only way to avoid a catastrophic situation on Mother Earth.

Modi also placed a traditional earthen-pot (matka) along with the sapling, which is a traditional way of conserving water, and ensuring that the sapling has regular water supply.

Union Minister for Environment and Forests Prakash Javadekar was present on the occasion.