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Bhubaneswar: As the country celebrated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday on Wednesday, industry majors including steelmakers and educational institutions in Odisha organised a series of programmes to mark the occasion.

At Kalinganagar in Odisha’s Jajpur district, Tata Steel Kalinganagar Neelachal Ispat Nigam Limited, and Ferro Alloys Plan as part of their ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and community welfare, organised a large-scale plantation drive under the Ek Ped Maa ke Naam 2.0 campaign, a Government initiative on Wednesday.

As part of the initiative, more than 5000 saplings were planted within the lush green premises of the Tata Steel Kalinganagar plant. The drive organised by Environment department of TSK aimed to enhance the plant’s biodiversity and contribute to a greener industrial ecosystem saw participation of more than 500 employees and vendor partners, a company press release said.

In a parallel and extensive effort, Tata Steel Foundation organised a massive community-based plantation drive. Around 10,000 saplings were planted across the villages of Dhuligarh and Pankapal in the Danagadi block of Jajpur district. This community-focused initiative highlights the company’s deep-rooted commitment to the well-being and environmental health of its surrounding villages. More than 500 employees of TSK, NINL and FAP, Jajpur along with vendor partners participated in the volunteering activity.

Similarly, Jindal Foundation, the Social Arm of Jindal Steel planted over 75000 plants across its location pan India.

In Odisha alone, Jindal Foundation planted 55,000 saplings on the birthday of Modi under the guidance of Naveen Jindal, MP (Kurukshetra) and Chairman of Jindal Steel.

The Foundation organised community plantation programmes across its key operational sites in Odisha in Angul, Barbil, Tensa and Kasia, involving thousands of employees, Women SHGs, Farmers’ Clubs, FPOs, Community members, students, and volunteers. The drive witnessed enthusiastic participation from all corners, including senior government officers, community leaders, teachers, nature lovers, schoolchildren and women’s self-help groups, and members of local panchayats. Significantly, the saplings planted were fruit-bearing trees and plants of medicinal values ensuring long-term ecological, health and nutritional benefits for communities.

At Angul, the participation of district administration was spectacular with ADM Pratap Pritimay accompanied by Sub Collector Mayadhar Behera, Tahsildar Shri Sushant Mishra planted saplings at Benagadia and Derjang villages where more than twenty acres land came under greenery initiatives of Jindal Foundation.

Similarly, in Barbil, Tensa, and Kasia region, the Foundation conducted community plantation drives across four Gram Panchayats, where 12,000 saplings were planted.

Speaking on the occasion, Jindal Foundation’s Chairperson Shallu Jindal said, “We are proud to be a part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, which beautifully unites environmental responsibility blended with the most sacred emotional connection with one’ s Mother. Planting trees in the name of our mothers is not just symbolic, but a sincere step toward nurturing both nature and values. This initiative reflects our deep respect for our Prime Minister’s vision and our commitment to building a sustainable tomorrow.”

Jindal Steel’s Executive Director (in charge) Pankaj Malhan said, “Environmental sustainability is integral to our operations. This initiative has allowed us to connect with local communities in a meaningful way, reinforcing our dedication to green development.”

In a unique tribute to Modi’s vision, SAI International School, SAI International Residential School, and SAI Angan came together to celebrate PM’s birthday by paying tribute to the ‘Silent Heroes’ within their own campuses.

The celebration sought to honour frontline workers such as watchmen, drivers, cleaning staff, peons, and other unsung heroes who work tirelessly to ensure the smooth functioning of educational institutions.

As part of the initiative, all three schools screened the award-winning short film “Chalo Jeete Hain”, inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy and the timeless message – Only those truly live who live for others. The film’s message deeply resonated with the young learners, reminding them that true greatness lies in compassion, kindness, and service to others. The movie also reflected upon the life and hardships of our honourable prime minister.

Chairperson, Silpi Sahoo, shared, “Our students are our nation’s future, and nurturing values like compassion, kindness, and oneness in their hearts is the true path to building a strong India. On this significant occasion, we are proud to celebrate not just our Hon. Prime Minister’s birthday, but also the silent heroes who embody the spirit of selflessness in our daily lives.”

This unique initiative encouraged students to reflect on the importance of selfless living, not just for personal growth but for the betterment of society and the nation. By recognising the contributions of their silent heroes within the school community, the students were inspired to look beyond themselves and understand the true meaning of service.

The day’s celebration across all three schools stood as a heartfelt tribute, reminding young SAIoneers that living for others is the most meaningful way to live, and that values instilled in classrooms today will shape the compassionate leaders of tomorrow.