Rourkela: 420 and counting! A 15-year-old boy from Sundargarh district marked his birthday on Saturday by planting 150 fruit-bearing saplings, taking his contribution to 420 over the past three birthdays, under the banner of Green Memory Campaign.What began as a simple birthday initiative in Sundargarh three years ago has evolved into a grassroots environmental movement, carrying its message of turning cherished memories into living trees across Odisha, neighbouring Chhattisgarh and even Thailand.Swarit Upadhyay, a Class X student from Jhurimal village in Lefripada block and son of environmentalist Digambar Upadhyay, planted the saplings at the Memory Garden in Gambharidihi-Badbahalpada on his 15th birthday. An India Book of Records achiever, Swarit had earlier planted 130 saplings on his 13th birthday and 140 on his 14th birthday.“I want every birthday to be an opportunity to do something meaningful for nature. A sapling planted today can grow into a tree that provides shade and fruit to people and food and shelter to birds and other living creatures,” Swarit said. He urged children and young people to plant at least one tree on special occasions and ensure its survival through regular care.Ujalpur forest range officer Debadatta Nanda lauded the initiative, saying such efforts by the younger generation are inspiring at a time when climate change and environmental degrade pose growing challenges. “Planting fruit-bearing trees on a birthday is not merely a celebration; it is a green investment for the future,” he said.Gambharidihi sarpanch Rabin Chandra Sa said dedicating personal milestones to nature and society was a meaningful way to celebrate. He added that the saplings would remain as living memories for years to come.Launched on Aug 22, 2023, by environmentalist and SEWAK programme director Digambar Upadhyay on the occasion of his son’s 12th birthday, Green Memory Campaign encourages people to celebrate birthdays, wedding anniversaries, achievements and the memory of loved ones by planting trees.With support from volunteers and local communities, the campaign has engaged students, youth, women and nature lovers in plantation and conservation activities. Besides planting saplings, it focuses on their long-term survival, promotes natural forest regeneration through seed balls and advocates wildlife conservation.“Planting a sapling is only the beginning; nurturing it into a tree is the real success,” Digambar said.From its origins in Sundargarh, the campaign has expanded to more than 10 districts in Odisha, neighbouring Chhattisgarh and Thailand, spreading the message of linking personal memories with environmental stewardship.
