EMBASSY OF INDIA

BAMAKO, MALI

Embassy of India

Bamako

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Press Release

Launch of Mass Tree Plantation Campaign to Mark the 156th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi

On the occasion of the 156th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the International Day of Non-Violence on 2nd October 2025, the Embassy of India in Bamako launched a mass tree plantation campaign across schools in Bamako. The launch ceremony was organized at Lycée Fily Dabo Sissoko School, Commune-I, Bamako, and marked the beginning of a green initiative involving young students and local communities.

2. In his address, Ambassador-designate Dr. N. Nandakumar spoke about the enduring relevance of Gandhian principles of non-violence, peace, tolerance, sanitation, sustainable living, and environmental protection. He highlighted the success of the Swachh Bharat Mission launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, emphasizing how the Mission has transformed public attitudes toward cleanliness and sustainable living in India. Dr. Nandakumar urged the school children to imbibe Gandhian values and make them an integral part of their daily lives.

3. The event was attended by Ms. Haïdara Joséphine Diallo, Deputy Mayor of Doumanzana Neighbourhood, Mr. Diakaridja Sangaré, Deputy Mayor of Commune-I, the Principal and Director of the Parent-Teacher Association of the school, and a large number of students and teachers, who actively participated in the programme.

4. The Embassy, in collaboration with Union for Emergence of Youth (UJEM), a Malian youth organization, has planned to extend the tree plantation campaign to 100 schools across Bamako, reaching out to approximately 10,000 students. As part of the initiative, eco-clubs comprising student volunteers will be established in all participating schools. These eco-clubs will take responsibility for the maintenance and protection of the planted saplings, thereby fostering a sense of environmental stewardship among the youth.

5. The Embassy of India will provide drought-resistant and economically beneficial tree saplings, along with basic agricultural tools, free of charge to all beneficiary schools. It is envisaged that as these trees mature, they will bring economic benefits to both the schools and surrounding communities while enhancing urban greenery.

6. The large-scale tree plantation programme is being implemented with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Environment, Sanitation and Sustainable Development of the Republic of Mali.

7. The launch event concluded with enthusiastic participation from students who joined the Ambassador and Embassy officials in planting ‘Kassia’ saplings within the school premises, symbolizing the shared commitment of India and Mali to a greener and more sustainable future.

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2nd October 2025

Bamako