The Indore Hoteliers Association (IHA) and the Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI participated in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ mega tree plantation drive, setting a new world record by planting 1.1 million saplings in Indore in a single day, contributing to Indore’s entry into the Guinness Book of World Records. Led by Kailash Vijayvargiya, National General Secretary of the Bhartiya Janata Party, the plantation drive saw active participation from Sumit Suri, President of IHA, and a large team of hoteliers. The Home Minister of India, Amit Shah, and the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, also graced the event. A team of over 700 hoteliers planted 5.1 million saplings in Indore over the past week
“The initiative was part of the mega tree plantation drive under the nationwide campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,’ launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mark World Environment Day on June 5. Under this campaign, 1.4 billion trees will be planted across the country, with 5.5 million in Madhya Pradesh, including 5.1 million in Indore. We are thrilled to have accomplished this task, especially as we set a world record by planting 1.1 million saplings in a day,” said Sumit Suri, EC member and State Co-ordinator (Madhya Pradesh), HRAWI.
The hospitality industry is at the forefront of initiatives for a greener and more sustainable environment in the country. HRAWI has been leading these efforts, prioritising sustainability and raising awareness about hospitality practices.
“We are proud of this accomplishment but more excited about living our values. In the hospitality industry, we are entrusted as custodians of trust and guardians of the environment. It’s not just about fulfilling ethical obligations; it’s about forging a sustainable future. This successful plantation drive underscores the growing momentum behind sustainability and green investments in our industry. Alongside this, we continue to align our sustainability objectives with the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) pledge, making daily changes to protect the environment and motivating others to adopt environmentally friendly habits,” concluded Pradeep Shetty, President, HRAWI.
