On the occasion of the 76th Van Mahotsav, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the people of these beautiful Islands and join the nation in celebrating this noble initiative dedicated to the protection and preservation of our forests.
Launched in the early years of Independent India, Van Mahotsav was born out of the visionary efforts of Shri Mohinder Singh Randhawa in 1947 and was institutionalized as a national movement in 1950 by Shri K.M. Munshi, the then Union Minister for Agriculture and Food. The festival emerged as a timely response to the growing concerns of deforestation, biodiversity loss, and ecological imbalance in a newly independent nation. Over the decades, it has grown into a nationwide campaign, embraced by government agencies, civil society, educational institutions, and citizens alike. Millions of trees have been planted across the country, reinforcing the profound message that every tree is a step towards a better tomorrow.
Van Mahotsav — the “Festival of Trees” — is not merely a symbolic observance; it is a call to action, a reaffirmation of our collective responsibility to safeguard nature. Forests are the lungs of our planet. They play a pivotal role in conserving biodiversity, maintaining ecological equilibrium, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
For the ecologically rich and fragile region of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the significance of forest conservation assumes even greater importance. Our Islands are home to unique flora and fauna, and it is our bounden duty to preserve this invaluable natural heritage.
As we celebrate the 76th Van Mahotsav, I appeal to all residents of these Islands to actively participate in this green movement. Let us come together to plant and nurture trees — not just as an environmental obligation, but as a legacy of care and stewardship for future generations. Each sapling we plant today is an investment in a greener, healthier, and more resilient tomorrow.
Let us reaffirm our commitment to living in harmony with nature — one sapling at a time.
“One Tree, One Promise — A Greener Island for All.”
Jai Hind!
Admiral D.K. Joshi
PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.)
Lieutenant Governor, A&N Islands
& Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency