PM Modi Presents Sonoma Dove Tree Sapling to King Charles III Under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” Initiative
- MGMMTeam
- Jul 25
- 4 min read
During his state visit to the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a special tree sapling to King Charles III at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. This meaningful gesture was part of India’s environmental campaign titled “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (which translates to “One Tree for Mother”), a nationwide initiative encouraging citizens to plant trees in tribute to their mothers and the environment.
A Symbol of Environmental Friendship
The sapling presented was a Davidia involucrata ‘Sonoma’, commonly known as the Sonoma dove tree or handkerchief tree. This particular cultivar is celebrated for its striking white bracts that resemble fluttering handkerchiefs or doves suspended in mid-air, lending the tree a unique visual appeal. Unlike its botanical counterparts, which may take a decade or more to flower, the Sonoma variety blooms within just two to three years. The swift blossoming of the tree symbolizes rapid progress in environmental conservation efforts and hope for a greener future.
King Charles, known worldwide for his commitment to environmental causes, welcomed the gift warmly. Officials confirmed that the sapling would be planted on the royal grounds in the upcoming autumn season, solidifying the ecological partnership between India and the United Kingdom through a shared love of nature and sustainability.
Dialogue on Sustainability and Shared Vision
The meeting at Sandringham closely followed the signing of the India‑UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), a landmark deal expected to boost bilateral trade by approximately USD 34 billion annually. This historic trade agreement marked a significant step in strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
Prime Minister Modi took to social media to share his reflections on the encounter, stating:
“Had a very good meeting with His Majesty King Charles III. We discussed different aspects of India‑UK relations… education, health and wellness, particularly Yoga and Ayurveda… environmental protection and sustainability.”
Adding to this, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that the discussion extended beyond trade and environment to encompass collaboration around Ayurveda, Yoga, and Mission LIFE (Lifestyle For Environment). These conversations resonate with King Charles’s longstanding dedication to sustainable living, reflecting shared commitments to holistic well-being and ecological stewardship.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties Through Shared Values
This presentation came on the heels of significant diplomatic and economic progress, including the signing of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The trade deal is expected to enhance bilateral commerce, potentially increasing trade volume by billions of dollars annually. Against this backdrop of strengthening economic cooperation, the meeting between PM Modi and King Charles also fostered discussions on shared cultural and environmental priorities.
The two leaders exchanged views on areas such as education, healthcare, and wellness, with particular emphasis on Yoga and Ayurveda, which have seen growing global recognition. Environmental protection and sustainability were prominent themes, reflecting both leaders’ commitments to addressing climate change and promoting ecological balance.
The “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” Campaign: From Local Roots to National Ambition
Originating as a heartfelt tribute to mothers and nature, the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign has grown substantially since its inception. Recently relaunched as “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0,” the initiative aims to plant ten crore (100 million) trees across India in 2025, engaging communities, schools, and government bodies alike.
In the state of Haryana, the campaign exceeded expectations, with over 1.8 crore trees planted—surpassing initial targets and demonstrating widespread public enthusiasm. The initiative is supported by innovative methods such as geo-tagging saplings to ensure their survival, issuing “Green Gold Certificates” to newborns to raise ecological awareness from birth, and integrating local schools into tree-planting drives.
The gifting of the sapling to King Charles represents the campaign’s expansion beyond India’s borders and symbolizes the universal importance of nurturing the environment as a shared responsibility.
A Gesture with Deep Symbolism and Global Significance
The act of gifting a sapling under the banner of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” blends cultural reverence with ecological action. By associating tree planting with the figure of a mother, the campaign invokes powerful emotional connections that inspire commitment to environmental care.
Moreover, the choice of a fast-flowering, visually distinctive tree as a gift to a globally recognized environmental advocate like King Charles conveys India’s dedication to prompt and meaningful climate action. It also highlights the potential for diplomacy to incorporate sustainability narratives, reinforcing the message that economic progress and ecological responsibility can and must go hand in hand.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Modi’s presentation of the Sonoma dove tree sapling to King Charles III was much more than a ceremonial exchange. It epitomized the convergence of culture, diplomacy, and environmental stewardship. The gesture reflected India’s expanding role in global sustainability leadership and underscored the importance of fostering partnerships based on shared values and mutual respect for nature.
As the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative continues to grow within India and now gains recognition abroad, it serves as a hopeful reminder that small acts—like planting a single tree—can sow seeds of change with far-reaching impact for generations to come.
(Sources: Firstpost, Hindustan Times, NDTV)
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