Question

Which of the following statements about 'Van Mahotsav' is/are correct? i. It is an annual tree-planting festival celebrated across Indis in the first week of July. ii. M.S.Randhawa,Indian Civil Servant and Botanist,was the brain behind this program. iii It was launched in 1950 by K.M.Munshi, then Union Minister for Agriculture and Food. iv. The objective is keep local people involved in plantation drives and spread environmental awareness.

• A. Only ii, ii & iii
• B. Only ii, iii & iv
• C. Only i, ii & iii
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer:

D. All of the above

Van Mahotsav: An Overview

• Van Mahotsav, which literally translates to 'Forest Festival', is an annual tree-planting festival celebrated across India.
• It is observed during the first week of July, typically from July 1st to July 7th, every year.
• The festival encourages people to plant trees, thereby promoting afforestation and preventing deforestation.
• It is a movement to create enthusiasm among the masses for forest conservation and tree planting.

Historical Context and Founding

• The festival was originally launched in 1950.
• The brainchild behind this significant program was K.M. Munshi (Kanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi), who was then the Union Minister for Agriculture and Food.
• The idea of Van Mahotsav emerged from the successful tree-planting drives initiated in Delhi in 1947.

Key Figures

• While K.M. Munshi is credited with officially launching and popularizing the festival, M.S. Randhawa (Mohinder Singh Randhawa), a distinguished Indian Civil Servant and renowned botanist, also played a crucial role.
• M.S. Randhawa is often recognized for his pioneering work in agricultural research and his efforts in popularizing the idea of tree planting and conservation, being a significant figure in its conceptualization and widespread adoption.

Objectives and Significance

• The primary objective of Van Mahotsav is to keep local people involved in plantation drives and to spread environmental awareness about the importance of trees and forests.
• It aims to promote the idea that planting and growing trees is not just the responsibility of the government but a collective effort.
• The festival highlights the multiple benefits of trees, including reducing soil erosion, providing food and shade, preventing drought, supporting wildlife, and contributing to overall ecological balance.
• It encourages citizens to plant trees, care for them, and protect the environment, emphasizing the role of every individual in safeguarding nature.