Van Mahotsav, also known as the Forest Festival, is a celebration of the vital role that forests play in our lives. The festival was initiated in 1950 by Dr. K. M. Munshi, the then Union Minister of Agriculture and Food, to raise awareness and enthusiasm among the masses for conservation of forests and planting of trees with the slogan “Tree means water, water means bread and bread is life”.

This festival is celebrated throughout our nation during the July month of monsoon season, which is an ideal time for planting trees. It encourages people to plant more trees as they provide numerous benefits such as preventing flooding, adding oxygen, cooling our homes, providing medicine and food, reducing soil erosion, lowering carbon footprint, and providing habitats for various species of animals and birds. It is crucial to understand that the survival of human life on planet earth is impossible without forests.

Today, we face significant challenges such as global warming, water scarcity and pollution. Planting trees can help mitigate the adverse effects of these environmental problems to a large extent. Festivals like Van Mahotsav sensitize people about the importance of protecting forest cover.

On this occasion, I urge the people of our Islands to actively participate in the tree planting activities and protect our pristine forests. Let us all join hands in increasing the Green cover of our Islands & our mother earth.

"JAI HIND"

Admiral D K Joshi

PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.)

Lt Governor, A&N Islands

& Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency