Planting a tree is one of the noblest things one can do for Mother Nature, aka Dharti Mata in Hindu tradition. It is said that one must plant at least 20 trees in one's lifetime. Many people got to fulfil this debt to Mother Nature on the weekend of May 31st and June 1st. The Om Hindu Community Center held a Plant-A-Tree Abhiyan (campaign) in which people from the New England community volunteered their time to plant 765 shrubs and saplings.

Adults, children and senior citizens alike came to plant. There were also some people visiting from India and California, who came to plant. Some made a goal for themselves that they would plant at least 10 trees and were happy when they fulfilled that goal. Everyone got a sticker which said, "I planted trees at OmHCC", which they proudly displayed on their shirts and jackets. Children had fun planting, some said this is the first time they had done such an activity.

A parent who had come with his whole family said, "The Plant a Tree Abhiyan successfully united our community, demonstrating how a shared commitment to the environment and Dharti Ma also strengthens the fabric of our community."

This campaign was not just to beautify the area, but also to replace the many trees and bushes that were cut down in the process of building the Center. The goal was to restore the eco-system which had been disturbed in this sensitive conservation area. Over 100 people from the community came to help. They came with their shovels, trowels, gardening gloves, even pick axes and hoes, to plant as much as they could. In the process, they not only fulfilled their debt to Dharti Ma but also had a lot of fun.

One of the elders said, "my experience as a gardener was very useful in the tree planting, because I was able to guide some youths in using the spade and trowel effectively. It was a great experience to participate in mass planting of native species of trees and bushes, I really enjoyed it."

The refreshment tent was the hub of activity. After an arduous planting session, everyone enjoyed the snacks and camaraderie, meeting people and socializing with peers, elders and youngsters. Rejuvenated after the snacks, many went back to plant more shrubs.

Pramod Pandey, one of the organizers, said, "The collective power of our community and dedicated volunteers allowed us to plant an unprecedented 750+ trees in record time."

A seven-year-old boy asked, "If I plant one more tree, can I have another sticker?" A twelve-year-old said he felt so much joy when planting the shrub, he wanted to come back and care for it. He loved his plant. Another said he would come back next week to plant another tree, and was sad when he found out that there would not be a tree planting next week. A young girl insisted on carrying a shovel that was way too big and heavy for her little frame. She wanted to show everyone that she could do the whole job from start to finish without help from anyone. Children proudly posed for pictures of them planting "their bush or tree". Siblings competed with each other in planting.

At the end of the day, everyone went home tired but happy. Many said they looked forward to another such event in future, it was so different and enjoyable, and they were proud of their part in saving the environment.