Ujjain.July 8: Renowned environmentalist and "Tree Man of India" Vishnu Lamba will arrive in Ujjain as part of his environmental awareness campaign from Jaipur. Upon entering the city limits on Wednesday, he will begin a Dandavat Yatra (prostration pilgrimage) to the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple, expressing his deep devotion to Lord Mahakal.
During the pilgrimage, Lamba will carry a Bilva (Bael) sapling, a tree sacred to Lord Shiva, symbolizing environmental conservation and tree plantation. After reaching the temple, he will offer prayers and perform rituals before Lord Mahakal.
A press conference will be held at the Ujjain Press Club on Thursday to explain the objectives of the Dandavat Yatra, discuss preparations for the upcoming Simhastha, and outline the ambitious plan to plant 125,000 Bilva saplings. Representatives of various social organizations and environmental activists are expected to attend.
During his visit, an invitation will also be extended to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav for the Environment Mahakumbh, which will be organized soon in Jaipur.
The primary objective of this challenging and inspiring journey is to raise awareness about environmental conservation, encourage every citizen to take responsibility for protecting nature, and transform environmental protection into a people's movement. The yatra also seeks to promote the spirit of the Government of India's "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" (A Tree in Mother's Name) campaign by inspiring people not only to plant trees but also to nurture and protect them.
The campaign draws inspiration from Lord Shiva, who is regarded as the ultimate symbol of harmony with nature. The Ganga flowing from his matted locks represents water conservation, the serpent around his neck symbolizes biodiversity and wildlife protection, Nandi signifies animal welfare, the sacred ash reflects the importance of the five elements of nature, the tiger skin represents forest and wildlife conservation, and Mount Kailash symbolizes the preservation of mountains and natural heritage.
A devoted follower of Lord Mahakal, Vishnu Lamba has been actively promoting environmental conservation through various campaigns for several years. His environmental initiatives in Ujjain began when Dr. Mohan Yadav was elected MLA for the first time, and both have participated together in numerous tree plantation drives.
Lamba previously served as the Brand Ambassador for the Madhya Pradesh Government's "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign, during which a world record was created by planting 1.2 million saplings in just 12 hours in Indore. Inspired by the environmental initiatives led by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, this journey aims to further strengthen the green movement.
Environmentalists and social workers will accord Lamba a grand welcome upon his arrival in Ujjain. After offering prayers at the Mahakaleshwar Temple, he will continue his journey while spreading the message of environmental protection.
Appealing to devotees and citizens, Vishnu Lamba said that if Lord Shiva embraces rivers, mountains, animals, and nature as part of his divine form, every individual should plant and protect at least one tree. He especially urged every devotee visiting Lord Shiva to plant and nurture one Bilva sapling as a lifelong commitment to environmental conservation.
More than a religious pilgrimage, the yatra represents a public awareness movement dedicated to protecting nature, preserving culture, and ensuring a greener and safer future for coming generations.