Green India Challenge eighth edition launched in Telangana

The Green India Challenge (GIC) launched its eighth edition at Keesaragutta on Sunday, with founder and former MP J Santosh Kumar planting saplings. The initiative, which began seven years ago, has resulted in planting over 20 crore saplings across India.

Hyderabad: The Green India Challenge‘s (GIC) eighth edition was launched by its founder and former MP J Santosh Kumar here on Sunday.

The former MP formally launched the initiative by planting saplings atop the serene ambience at Sri Ramalingeshwara Swamy temple, Keesaragutta. He was accompanied by former Minister Ch Malla Reddy. They also unveiled the new edition’s logo.

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“I launched the Green India Challenge with an intention of continuing it till the end of my life,” Santosh Kumar said, stressing the need for such an initiative and urging everyone to carry it forward.

Having flourished for seven years, the GIC embarks on its eighth edition with renewed vigour. Originally conceived as a simple act of one person planting three saplings and challenging three others to replicate, the initiative has burgeoned into a monumental movement, resulting in plantation of over 20 crore saplings.

Over the years, people from all walks of life, including ordinary citizens, film personalities, poets, artists, and individuals from diverse political backgrounds, have participated in the initiative.

Addressing the gathering, Santosh Kumar said the initiative was inspired by BRS Chief K Chandrashekhar Rao and reiterated his lifelong commitment to it. He announced that he had adopted the Keesara forest, with ongoing efforts to develop it further.

“Everyone should plant three saplings—be it on occasions like birthdays, wedding anniversaries, or in memory of elders—and help propel this forward,” Santosh Kumar appealed.

Former Minister Mallareddy, in his address, highlighted that Santosh Kumar’s name was synonymous with Haritha Haram and the Green India Challenge.

“Seeing lush green trees brings immense joy,” he remarked, extending his best wishes as the initiative completes seven years and enters its eighth.

He noted the global acclaim the Green India Challenge has garnered over the years.

Keesar former sarpanch Madhuri Venkatesh, former BC Commission Member Kishore Goud, former corporation chairpersons Dudimetla Balaraju Yadav, Allipuram Venkateshwara Reddy, Rajini Sai Chand, Sumitranand Tanoba, Haritha Sena State Coordinator Satish, Raju, Dr. Markandeyulu, former Mayor Mekala Kavya, and BRS party workers were present.