Day 1, November 14, will bring headline performances from international chart-toppers The Script and Jason Derulo, with dance and entertainment icon Nora Fatehi adding a high-energy set to the opening night. The day will also feature a strong line-up of local artists such as Dappest & adL, Zephyrtone, Walter Wahlang, Khasi Bloodz, Prismer, ALIVE, Larger Than 90, Bending Waves, and others, giving the audience a blended experience of mixed global and local talents.

The second day of the festival, November 15 will feature international heavyweights Tyga and Aqua, alongside a headline experience by global producer DJ Diplo and more of the Northeast’s finest artists such as Meba Ofilia, Girish & The Chronicles, Ahaia, G Hills Finest, Finding Mero, Dalariti, ARIUS, and more, including a specially curated Tribute to Zubeen Garg, acknowledging his contributions to the music world and to the region.

Beyond the main stages, the festival this year will also include other activities, including the Cherry Blossom Arm Fight, Karaoke Contest, Mechanical Bull, Zipline, Graffiti Contest, Cherry Blossom Cosplay Competition, and other attractions. Visitors can also explore a wide range of local food stalls, craft displays, and merchandise booths that capture Meghalaya’s creative spirit and culinary diversity. Organisers have also put in place advanced event technologies and fan experiences to make the festival both secure and more immersive.

While Polo Ground will serve as the central venue for the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, visitors can also explore the Japan Arena at Ward’s Lake, which celebrates the cultural bond between Meghalaya and Japan. The arena will feature Japanese art, music, cuisine, and traditional performances, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan’s rich heritage. It also highlights the longstanding friendship and cultural exchange between India and Japan, reflected in the blooming cherry blossoms that symbolize renewal and harmony. Ward’s Lake, with its scenic beauty, provides the perfect backdrop for this cross-cultural experience.

As pink blossoms paint Shillong’s hills, the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 invites everyone to experience this extraordinary fusion of nature and music, ranging from world-renowned international acts to the very best talent from Meghalaya and the Northeast, and a cultural blend celebrating the spirit and beauty of the state and the entire Northeast region.

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PUNE: Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the CSR arm of Hyundai Motor India Ltd., today announced the successful plantation of 5 lakh trees under the Hyundai IONIQ Forest initiative. This milestone marks a significant step toward the project’s goal of planting 10 lakh trees in total across 90.5 acres within a year at Dange Chowk, Pimpri-Chinchwad, making it one of the largest urban plantations in Maharashtra state.

The event was attended by key dignitaries including Shri Sunil Shelke, Hon’ble Member of Legislative Assembly, Maval Constituency, Pune; Shri Vishwajit Shrirang Barne; Dr Ratikant Navtake, Asst Commissioner, Department of Animal Husbandry, Tathwade, Pune; along with Mr. Jeongick Lee, Function Head – Corporate Affairs, HMIL, Mr. Shyamkumar Singh, Function Lead, Production (Pune), HMIL, Mr. Puneet Anand, AVP & Vertical Head – Corporate Affairs, Corporate Communication & Social, HMIL, and other representatives from HMIL and Oriearth Nature Foundation.

Launched on World Environment Day, June 5, 2025, the IONIQ Forest began with the plantation of 1,000 saplings using the Miyawaki method, a technique known for creating dense, fast-growing, and biodiverse forests. The project uses 41 native tree species, ensuring ecological resilience and promoting biodiversity by creating natural habitats for birds, insects, and other fauna.

This initiative is deeply rooted in community participation, focusing on sustainable environmental practices that benefit both people and the planet. Over the next five years, the forest is projected to absorb approximately 63,000 tons of CO₂, making a measurable impact on climate resilience and inclusive growth. It has also created green jobs for over 100 individuals from tribal communities, while also promoting ecosystem restoration, water conservation through rainwater harvesting and check dams, and sustainable land use practices.

Commenting on the initiative, Shri Sunil Shelke, Hon’ble Member of Legislative Assembly, Maval Constituency, said, “This initiative is a powerful demonstration of corporate responsibility aligned with environmental stewardship. I congratulate the team behind this effort and encourage more such partnerships for a sustainable tomorrow.”

Puneet Anand, AVP & Vertical Head – Corporate Affairs, Corporate Communication & Social, HMIL, said, “Hyundai Motor India Limited is driving the IONIQ Forest program – a nationwide greening and afforestation effort spanning Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. This initiative is our way of giving back—not just to the environment, but to the communities we serve. Through the Miyawaki method, in Maharashtra, we are creating a dense, biodiverse forest that supports local livelihoods, fosters community engagement, and promotes long-term sustainability.”

Once completed, the forest will be opened to schools and local communities for educational tours and environmental awareness programs, fostering a culture of sustainability among future generations.

This initiative is part of Hyundai Motor India Foundation’s broader commitment to Maharashtra, with a ₹56 crore CSR investment supporting projects in environment, healthcare, road safety, and community welfare, in alignment with the state’s development goals. 

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HINJAWADI, PUNE: In a heart-warming celebration that blended love for parents with concern for the environment, Ryan International Academy, Hinjawadi, celebrated Parents’ Day with a meaningful outdoor activity, a community hike, and a plantation drive at Quadron Hill.

Gathering the school’s fundamental values of family bonding, environmental stewardship, and experiential learning, the celebration witnessed active participation by students and parents from all grades, from little tots at Montessori to confident learners in Grade 9.

The morning started with a spirited hike up Quadron Hill, as over 60 parents accompanied their children in enjoying the beauty of nature and well-being. The sound of families’ laughter was heard throughout the trails, making the morning a happy, collective experience.

The day’s highlight was a special plantation drive. With close to 80 saplings being planted by parent-student pairs, the green initiative was a beacon of growth, fostering, and shared responsibility in building a greener tomorrow. Every sapling symbolized a promise to nurture, guard, and cultivate together as a community.

Adding some creativity and emotional flair, students sang soulful music specially dedicated to their parents, giving thanks and appreciation in song. The celebration was rounded out by endearing handmade gifts: love-made neckties for fathers, and “Super Mom” badges pinned with pride on mothers’ offerings that brought smiles, giggles, and a few tears of joy.

“Parents’ Day is a call to the unseen but invaluable support families bring in a child’s life. By infusing celebration with purpose, we tried to make memories joyous, meaningful, and value-based,” said Sonika Kochhar Girotra, Principal, Ryan International Academy, Hinjawadi. “It was heartwarming to witness our students and parents connect over nature and purpose, the golden blend of learning and compassion.”

Ryan International Academy keeps redefining learning by integrating it harmoniously with intention, compassion, and social connection, one touching event at a time.

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Talking about the initiative, Manju Gaur, Director, Gaurs Group, said, “Environmental consciousness has always been an integral part of our development philosophy. Through consistent green initiatives, we have remained acutely aware of the real estate sector’s responsibility in mitigating environmental issues like pollution and climate change. Supporting the Uttar Pradesh Government’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ campaign is not just our duty, but it strongly aligns with our mission to build healthier, greener, and more responsible communities. This plantation drive is another step towards ensuring a more sustainable future for our residents and generations to come.”

Organised by Gaurs Foundation, the CSR arm of Gaurs Group, in association with Raahgiri Trust, the sapling plantation drive was led by students of Gaurs International School. This initiative not only provided a valuable hands-on learning experience but also instilled a sense of environmental responsibility in the young participants.

Gaurs Foundation has been instrumental in driving long-term environmental and social initiatives across the Group’s footprint. Over the years, Gaurs Group has implemented a range of CSR initiatives aimed at social welfare and sustainability initiatives, such as the setting up of a 15 MW solar power plant. With each green step, Gaursons India Private Limited reaffirms its vision of fostering environmentally responsible urban living while supporting broader governmental and societal missions for a cleaner, greener India.

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On 26th June 2025, doctors from Sahyadri Hospital participated in the “Planting HOPE, Growing Health” initiative by planting trees at the Ramdhara Shiv Temple in Uruli Kanchan. This effort aims to contribute to environmental health and create a lasting impact on the community. Furthermore, on 24th June 2025, a group of doctors came together to support Snehavan, an NGO dedicated to helping children aged 6 to 16 who have lost their earning parents. This initiative highlights the hospital’s commitment to helping vulnerable children build a better future.

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This year’s World Environment Day theme, ‘Beat Plastic Pollution,’ shaped the direction of the on-ground activities. As part of the week-long celebration, HMSI’s dealerships and service outlets across India actively engaged with customers and local communities. Key activities included the distribution of saplings to all customers visiting at dealership, awareness campaigns on the harmful impact of plastic pollution, and 1,25,000 tree plantation drives across multiple cities and towns. Free Pollution Under Control (PUC) check-up camps were also conducted to promote cleaner and more efficient vehicle usage.

In its 25^th year of operations in India, HMSI has reached a significant production milestone, crossing 70 million units of cumulative production since the start of local manufacturing in 2001. This milestone contributes to Honda’s achievement of cumulative global production of motorcycles, which has reached 500 million units since 1949. As the production scales, HMSI remains aligned with Honda’s global vision of realising zero environmental impact not only with its products, but throughout the entire product lifecycle, including all corporate activities, through its Triple Action to ZERO initiative focusing on carbon neutrality, clean energy, and resource circulation. The company continues to strengthen operational efficiencies while promoting cleaner technologies and manufacturing processes across its facilities. The Environment Week initiative highlights the role of collective participation- from customers and dealers to employees and leadership- in shaping a cleaner, greener tomorrow.

These efforts were designed to create grassroot impact, reinforcing the message that even small, everyday actions can contribute meaningfully to environmental health. The event brought together HMSI associates and local representatives for a tree plantation drive and an employee awareness session which focussed on integrating sustainability into workplace and community practices.

In parallel to these on-ground efforts, HMSI continues to integrate sustainability into its operations. The company’s third factory in Narsapura, Karnataka, currently meets 98% of its energy requirements through renewable sources. Across all manufacturing locations, HMSI is expanding its capability to source over half of its total energy needs from renewable inputs.

To reduce dependency on freshwater sources and promote long-term environmental resilience, HMSI continues its journey toward water conservation by adopting advanced rainwater harvesting techniques at all its factories. The Third factory at Narsapura (Bangalore) meets its maximum water requirements through rainwater alone. All four manufacturing plants operate as Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) facilities.

All HMSI plants have been awarded the prestigious GreenCo World Class rating, achieving Platinum and Platinum plus levels. The company has also received several national accolades, including the National Energy and Water Awards, in recognition of its unwavering commitment to sustainability.

With both on-ground and long-term investments in clean manufacturing, HMSI’s celebration highlights a broader approach to supporting a sustainable future through awareness, action, and innovation.

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As part of this project, 3.5 lakh trees will be planted to develop 650 hectares of forest land over one year, each tree being planted to revere one’s mother, who is the first Guru. The first tree to be planted by the Hon’ble Dy CM will be in the name of the respected Baa, Smt Shantaben, mother of Rev Daaji.

India has lost 2.19 million hectares of tree cover since 2000 – a concerning 5.6% decline – triggering rising concerns around climate change, habitat loss, and soil degradation. In response, FBH has pioneered a regenerative forest model that goes beyond conventional plantation drives. This model not only restores biodiversity and degraded soil but also empowers rural communities and reconnects people to nature through meditation and spiritual ecology.

Since its inception, Forests by Heartfulness has planted over 3 million trees across 10,000 acres of degraded lands in 12 states, conserving more than 80 endangered species with an impressive 90% survival rate. It operates 20 native nurseries housing 6 million saplings across 330 endemic species, making it one of India’s most diverse and robust plantation efforts.

“Daaji has instilled in us the vision to treat trees as sentient beings. With his inspiration and guidance, we are intertwining ancient wisdom and modern science to plant 30 million trees by 2030. Even children are learning to nurture and protect forests. Together, we’re building green futures one forest at a time,” said Dr. V. Ramakantha, Retired IFS and Chairman of Forests by Heartfulness.

Key Highlights of Forests by Heartfulness:

• 1200+ mature trees relocated with an 80% success rate
• 35 lakes restored or created, enabling 77 crore litres of water capacity
• 22 afforestation projects in 12 states on over 75,000 acres of degraded lands
• Use of biochar, check dams, phytosociological surveys, and activated compost to revive ecosystems
• Training programs in agroforestry, watershed management, and native nursery techniques for local communities

Unlike other popular methods, FBH’s approach follows a natural forest succession that avoids topsoil replacement and enriches it using organic compost, neem cake, and microbial activators. Every plantation site is selected through rigorous ecological surveys assessing soil composition, native vegetation, and hydrology to ensure long-term resilience and compatibility. This method fosters complex, multi-strata forest ecosystems involving trees, shrubs, herbs, creepers, and grasses, thereby supporting higher biodiversity and faunal integration.

Across India, Forests by Heartfulness is already bringing degraded land back to life. In Madhya Pradesh, 2,000 acres of scrub forest in Shivgarh, Ratlam, are being revived into native forests. In Ratlam, a 105-acre city forest acts as an oxygen bank for the local population. A similar model is being scaled at many places in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Delhi NCR alongside the creation of water bodies, soil conservation structures, and sustainable livelihood through native fodder crops.

Last year, Heartfulness afforestation project named ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ aligned with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. The launch took place on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima in the Maihar district of Madhya Pradesh. It is a unique initiative combining environmental responsibility with a heartfelt tribute to mothers.

To prevent desertification in central India, the Aravalli afforestation project is ongoing in full swing at the Aravalli Hills. For this, Taranga Hills in Mehsana District, Gujarat, were selected due to extreme aridity caused by scant rainfall (~400mm annually), high summer temperatures reaching 42°C, and vegetation loss from soil moisture depletion. The project is designed to transform this dry region into a sustainable green zone through infrastructure, strategic interventions, and water conservation. Economically viable, it includes the planting of 150,000 sandalwood trees along with a diverse range of native species, culminating in 625,000 saplings to boost biodiversity. The afforestation drive is structured in two phases: Phase I covers 50 hectares and Phase II 350 hectares. The peak elevation is 486 meters above sea level. The project includes a massive water conservation capacity of 6 crore litres supported by 715 rain guns—the world’s largest deployment in any afforestation initiative. These rain guns simulate rainfall, helping to convert arid land into a self-sustaining ecosystem. The initiative is expected to create over 10,000 jobs nationwide, with more than 1,000 roles generated in Gujarat alone.

As the world enters the second half of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030), Forests by Heartfulness stands as a uniquely Indian model of climate action – scientifically robust, spiritually guided, and socially inclusive. The organization invites CSR partners, state governments, and civil society groups to join hands in accelerating the pace and depth of India’s green transformation.

A Greener Tomorrow, One Forest at a Time

FBH is not just planting trees – it’s growing living ecosystems, restoring balance, and creating climate-ready communities. As the world searches for sustainable solutions to the climate crisis, FBH offers a replicable, scalable, and deeply human model of regeneration.

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The plantation site, spanning approximately 3,000 square meters, was donated by the village Sarpanch and the villagers of Pur. The vacant land, which was at risk of turning into a landfill area, has been transformed into a green space through the collaborative efforts of the villagers and Siegwerk’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. The donation of this land was made with the full support of the village community. Recognizing the threat that a landfill posed to the nearby live pond and the overall local ecosystem, the villagers took proactive steps to restore the land.

Siegwerk India has planted close to 1000 plants at the site, including a mix of fruit-bearing trees, shady trees, and medicinal plants. This diverse plantation is expected to enhance biodiversity, provide shade, and offer medicinal benefits to the community, thereby fostering a healthier and greener environment. The team also planted over 100 trees at their factory in Bhiwadi.

Speaking on the initiative, Manjusha Singh, CEO, Siegwerk India, said, “Our partnership with Pur village exemplifies how corporate and community efforts can come together to address environmental challenges. Transforming this land into a green space helps preserve water quality, enhances biodiversity, and inspires sustainable living. We look forward to continuing such meaningful projects that nurture both nature and society.“

Ajit Singh, CFO, Siegwerk India, added, “Environmental sustainability is a key pillar of our corporate responsibility. By collaborating with the Pur village community, we are not only protecting the natural habitat but also creating lasting benefits for the local ecosystem and residents.”

The initiative is not only aimed at greening the land but also at protecting the water quality of the nearby pond, preventing pollution that could arise from the land being used as a dumping ground. In addition to this annual CSR initiative, Siegwerk also previously undertook the restoration of a pond Dhaki village, increasing ToF (Trees outside Forest) to promote water resource management.

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The pledge focuses on planting native tree species well-suited to the local climate, ensuring a high survival rate. These 1 million trees are expected to absorb approximately 25,000,000 kg of carbon annually, significantly contributing to climate mitigation efforts. Additionally, the initiative will provide essential ecosystem services, such as pollination, water conservation, and soil preservation, benefiting local communities through access to Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs).

“At Puravankara, we believe that sustainable development goes beyond buildings—it is about creating a greener, healthier future for generations to come. Our pledge to 1t.org to plant 1 million trees by 2030 is a testament to our commitment to environmental stewardship. By restoring green cover, enhancing biodiversity, and mitigating climate change, we aim to make a lasting positive impact on Bengaluru’s urban and rural landscapes. We are proud to be part of this global movement and will continue to drive initiatives that contribute to a more sustainable tomorrow,” said Ashish Puravankara, Managing Director, Puravankara Limited.

Commenting on the same, Florian Vernaz, Head of 1t.org at the World Economic Forum, said, “We are delighted to welcome Puravankara Ltd to 1t.org and the global movement for nature restoration. Their ambitious pledge to plant 1 million trees in and around Bengaluru reflects a deep commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. By joining the growing and dynamic Indian chapter of 1t.org, Puravankara is demonstrating corporate leadership in advancing nature-based solutions in India. We look forward to supporting and amplifying their impact as we work together toward a greener, more resilient future.”

Puravankara has planted 55,000 trees across three rural locations in Bengaluru, covering 3.5 hectares, and an additional 7,000 trees across urban medians and parks as part of its CSR initiatives. As part of the pledge, the company will plant around 1.56 lakh trees annually in and around Bengaluru till 2030. Puravankara’s tree plantation initiative is a key component of its broader sustainability strategy, aligning with its mission of environmental stewardship and community engagement.

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The celebrations began at the hotel’s picturesque poolside restaurant Turque, where the children participated in a series of engaging activities. They unleashed their creativity with a sketching session, danced enthusiastically to the tunes of festive music played by a live band, and indulged in a delightful spread of food and sweets thoughtfully curated by the Sayaji Pune team.

The evening culminated with a grand tree lighting ceremony in the main lobby, symbolizing joy, hope, and the spirit of giving. The illuminated tree served as a beacon of warmth and festive cheer, drawing smiles from all attendees.

Expressing gratitude for the event, Sanjay Kumar, Founder of Ray of Hope Foundation, said, “We are deeply thankful to the Sayaji Pune team for inviting us and celebrating the festive season with the children from our organization. The kids had an incredible time exploring their creativity, dancing, and enjoying the delicious treats. This thoughtful initiative brought immense joy to their hearts, and we look forward to collaborating with Sayaji Pune on more such meaningful endeavors in the future.”

“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to bring happiness to these children and celebrate the season of giving. This initiative reflects Sayaji Pune’s commitment to community engagement and spreading joy during the festive season,” said Anurag Anand, Director of Operations, at Sayaji Pune.

The event highlighted Sayaji Pune’s dedication to making a positive impact in the community while celebrating the festive spirit.

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