A Journey of Care and Commitment to Our Planet: A Mother’s Day Story

From March 22 to April 22, the Rukmini Foundation embarked on a heartfelt, month-long celebration of Mother Earth—honoring the nurturing spirit of the Earth and our mothers alike. The month coincided with World Earth Day on April 22 and Mother’s Day in Nepal, creating a powerful synergy between the love we hold for our mothers and the deep respect we owe to our planet. This initiative, under the banner of Mother’s Earth Month, not only acknowledged the Earth as a provider of life but also reinforced our shared responsibility to protect and nurture it, just as we protect and nurture those we love most. 

In a world where environmental challenges loom large, this initiative was a reminder that small acts of care, when multiplied, can lead to monumental change. Our month-long journey was not just about cleaning up, it was about giving back to the Earth, reaffirming our bond with her, and teaching the next generation the importance of stewardship.

Objectives of Mother’s Earth Month

The primary objectives of Mother’s Earth Month were:

1. Raise Environmental Awareness: Educate the community on the importance of waste management, recycling, and reducing pollution.

2. Engage the Local Community: Foster a sense of unity and collective responsibility among community members to protect and care for the environment.
3. Promote Sustainable Practices: Encourage individuals and families to adopt eco-friendly habits that contribute to the preservation of nature.
4. Celebrate Mother Earth: Pay homage to Earth as a nurturing mother, just as we honor our own mothers, through acts of care and love for the environment.

Inspire Future Generations: Instill a sense of responsibility in youth for environmental protection, ensuring that future generations continue the effort to safeguard the planet

Campaign Activities

Over the course of Mother’s Earth Month, the Rukmini Foundation organized three major community-based cleaning campaigns, each designed to tackle different environmental challenges and engage various groups within the community. The activities were intended to raise awareness about the importance of environmental care while actively working to clean and restore local spaces.

1. March 22: Cleaning the Viral Bridge—A Symbol of Unity and Action

Our journey began on March 22, a day marked by determination and collective action. In partnership with Moksha Yoga Adventure, we organized a cleaning campaign at the Viral Bridge in Dakshinkali Municipality-7. Volunteers, ranging from school children to elderly community members, gathered at the crack of dawn to pick up waste and debris that had accumulated around the bridge and surrounding forest area. Over 22 volunteers participated, collecting more than 15 bags of waste, ranging from plastic wrappers to discarded bottles.

2. April 4: Bajrayogini Temple—Cleaning Sacred Grounds

On April 4, the Rukmini Foundation, in collaboration with Mokshya Yoga Institution, Planet Matter, and Let’s Clean the Earth, carried out a community cleanup at the historic Bajrayogini Temple in Pharping. This cleaning campaign was not only about removing waste but also about preserving the sanctity of a sacred site. The volunteers worked diligently, collecting 15 bags of trash, which included plastic bottles and food wrappers discarded by visitors.

3. April 22: Shikharapur Community School—World Earth Day Celebration

Our final campaign on April 22, World Earth Day, was a culmination of our month-long efforts. We gathered at Shikharapur Community School, where over 50 volunteers—students, teachers, and mentors—came together to clean the school premises. The focus of the campaign was not only on cleaning but also on educating the students about the importance of waste reduction, recycling, and the role they play in shaping the planet’s future.

Encouraging Environmental Awareness

A critical part of Mother’s Earth Month was encouraging environmental awareness. Throughout the campaigns, educational sessions were held to engage the community in discussions about sustainability, waste management, and the importance of reducing plastic use.

Awareness efforts included:

• Environmental Talks: Volunteers shared insights on the importance of protecting natural resources and the long-term impact of neglecting environmental care.

• Youth Engagement: By involving local students in cleaning campaigns and environmental talks, we helped foster a sense of environmental responsibility in the younger generation, who will be the future stewards of our planet.

Social Media Outreach: Through online platforms, we spread messages about the importance of Earth Day and sustainability, reaching a broader audience and engaging individuals who might not have been able to participate in person.

The Meaning Behind Mother’s Earth Month: A Reflection on Responsibility and Love

The month of Mother’s Earth Month was more than just a series of cleaning campaigns—it was a call to action, a celebration of the bond between humans and the Earth, and a reflection on the shared responsibility we must protect and nurture our planet. Through these efforts, we honored the Earth as the ultimate provider—our Mother Earth—whose resources sustain life, just as our own mothers sustain and guide us.

It was also an opportunity to raise awareness of the environmental issues facing our communities and to inspire the next generation to act. Just as we cherish and care for our mothers, we must extend that same love and respect to the Earth. The cleanup campaigns were not just about removing waste, they were about sending a message that caring for the Earth is not just an individual act, but a collective responsibility that binds us all.

Mother’s Day Reflections Amid Earth Day

As we moved through the journey of Mother’s Earth Month, we also took a meaningful moment to celebrate Mother’s Day, which coincided with our ongoing efforts. In honor of this special day, the Rukmini Foundation organized a small but heartfelt tribute by presenting a token of appreciation to Tina Gleisner, whose unwavering support and care guided and nurtured our work like the spirit of a mother. Staff members also came together to recognize the mothers within our own community, capturing moments of love, gratitude, and reflection. These celebrations became a beautiful reminder that the compassion and commitment we show toward our planet are deeply connected to the values of care and nurturing we honor in our daily lives.

Conclusion: Moving Forward with Love and Commitment

As we conclude Mother’s Earth Month, we are reminded that the work does not end here. The cleaning campaigns, while impactful, are only the beginning. The real change comes when we integrate environmental care into our daily lives and continue to pass on these values to the next generation. Let us carry forward the lessons learned this month, not just as a community but as stewards of the Earth, who are bound by love and responsibility to protect the planet for all who will come after us.

In the same way that a mother gives life, we too must give it back to the Earth, ensuring that it remains a nurturing place for future generations. As we move forward, we pledge to continue caring for Mother Earth with the same dedication, respect, and love that we give to our own mothers.