A simple yet powerful idea is transforming barren schoolyards across Uttar Pradesh into thriving green spaces. Under the Faldaar initiative, launched in 2023 by social entrepreneur Vaibhav Rathore, students in government schools are not just planting trees—they are adopting them, naming them after their teachers, and ensuring they survive.
The results speak for themselves. Of nearly 10,000 saplings planted across Kanpur, Prayagraj and Farrukhabad, around 75% are still alive, a stark contrast to the usual high mortality rates of plantation drives. Vaibhav, founder of Revamp India Foundation, realized that without personal connection, saplings were neglected. So he gave each tree a name, often after a beloved teacher, and assigned student groups to care for ‘their’ tree.
At PM Shri Primary School in Kanpur, students start their day by watering, cleaning, and checking the health of their named saplings. The habit spills into home life—children plant trees on birthdays and gift saplings on special occasions. Science lessons now happen under leafy canopies, and students write poems about their trees.
Faldaar currently partners with 50-60 government schools in each of three districts, supported by 25-30 volunteers who lead storytelling and plantation drives. The initiative proves that when children form emotional bonds with nature, care becomes instinctive and lasting.
Article and image source: thebetterindia.com
