In a heartwarming celebration of World Environment Day, Prabha Khaitan Foundation, under its flagship initiative Muskaan, in association with Education For All and Taj Bengal, Kolkata, organised a meaningful tree plantation drive with special needs children at the premises of Taj Bengal.
The initiative brought together special needs children to reaffirm the collective commitment towards environmental conservation and inclusivity. Through the plantation of saplings, the children actively participated in nurturing nature while learning about the importance of protecting the environment for future generations.
The event was graced by celebrated singer and cultural icon Usha Uthup as the Special Guest, whose presence added warmth and encouragement to the young participants.
The event aimed to create awareness about sustainability and ecological responsibility while providing a platform for special needs children to engage in an enriching outdoor activity. By involving young minds in environmental action, the organisers sought to inspire a sense of stewardship towards nature and encourage sustainable practices from an early age.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms Usha Uthup said – “Everyone talks about planting a sapling, but real change happens when we come together and commit ourselves to protecting nature. If we have cut down so many trees, then let us also resolve to plant many more. I congratulate Prabha Khaitan Foundation, Education For All, and Taj Bengal for bringing people together for such a meaningful initiative. May we continue to plant more and more saplings and do our part to protect the environment for future generations.”
Mr. Sundeep Bhutoria, Managing Trustee of Prabha Khaitan Foundation, said: “At Prabha Khaitan Foundation, we believe that meaningful change begins with small acts of care and compassion. World Environment Day offers us an opportunity to nurture not only the environment but also the spirit of inclusion. Seeing these wonderful children participate in creating a greener future reminds us that sustainability and empathy must go hand in hand. Every sapling planted today is a symbol of hope, responsibility, and our collective commitment to a better tomorrow.”
The representatives from the organising institutions highlighted the importance of creating opportunities where environmental consciousness and social inclusion go hand in hand. The initiative underscored the belief that every individual, regardless of ability, can contribute meaningfully to building a greener and more sustainable future.
The plantation drive also reflected the shared commitment of Prabha Khaitan Foundation, Muskaan, Education For All, and Taj Bengal towards community engagement, environmental sustainability, and the empowerment of children through experiential learning.
As the world observes World Environment Day, the organisers hope that such initiatives will inspire more communities to embrace sustainable living and work collectively towards preserving the planet for generations to come.
“Every child has a unique way of experiencing the world. On World Environment Day, we celebrate that nature is for everyone, by engaging with our special needs children through a tree plantation drive. No matter how big or small your efforts are, every hand helps form a cleaner and healthier world.” – K. Mohanchandran, Senior Vice President, IHCL.
About Muskaan
Muskaan is a skill-development initiative for children, a project of Prabha Khaitan Foundation and Education For All Trust. It aims to nurture creativity, confidence, and holistic growth through cultural, educational, and arts-based programmes. Muskaan also seeks to popularise heritage, literature, and culture among young children by weaving them into formal and informal learning through engaging student activities. Through its diverse workshops, competitions, and interactive sessions, Muskaan empowers children to explore their talents, express themselves freely, and discover the joy of learning.