A Powerful Call for Climate Responsibility Over Rhetoric
Veteran actor and environmental advocate Jackie Shroff joined forces with 20,000 young Indians at Mitti Ki Awaaz, a large-scale climate festival rooted in action.
More importantly, the initiative moved beyond speeches and slogans. Instead, it transformed awareness into accountability. What unfolded was not merely an event. Rather, it became a youth-led environmental movement.
20,000 Saplings, One Shared Commitment
To begin with, the day opened with a massive tree plantation drive. As thousands gathered, they planted saplings across the venue, symbolically and physically grounding their commitment to the planet.
However, this was far more than a ceremonial gesture. Each participant pledged to plant 100 trees by the end of 2026. Consequently, the collective promise now stands at an ambitious 20 lakh trees.
Reflecting on the moment, Jackie Shroff said, “‘Mitti ki kasam’ is no longer just a phrase. It is a promise.” He further added that when 20,000 voices rise together for the land beneath their feet, the future clearly chooses responsibility over rhetoric.
Where Art, Dialogue and Climate Action Converged
Notably, Mitti Ki Awaaz was conceived by Jackie Shroff through the JK Foundation, in collaboration with Kunal Sharma of Chhatra Sansad India, and in association with Heartfulness.
Furthermore, the festival brought together artists, thinkers, performers and changemakers on one unified platform. The goal was clear: inspire sustainable living through collective cultural expression.
Among those who supported the initiative were actor Manoj Joshi, musician Abhishek Ray, youth voice Nikhil Taneja, and environmental advocates Rishabh Nahar and Kanthil Mehta.
Meanwhile, comedians Manan Desai, Biswa Kalyan Rath, and Chirayu Mistry used humour and storytelling to make climate conversations accessible and urgent.
Finally, the evening concluded on a powerful note with a live performance by the Salim-Sulaiman band, seamlessly blending music with mindful messaging.
“Twenty Lakh Trees Is a Promise to the Future”
In addition, Kunal Sharma emphasized that the scale of the pledge carries generational meaning.
“Twenty lakh trees isn’t just a number,” he stated. “It is a promise these young people made to their children — children who are yet to be born.”
Therefore, Mitti Ki Awaaz is not positioned as a one-day celebration. Instead, it is envisioned as a long-term lifestyle shift. Organisers have already announced plans to expand the initiative across India.
A Youth-Led Climate Movement Gains Momentum
Ultimately, the festival reflects a larger shift in India’s climate narrative. Today’s youth are no longer satisfied with discussions alone. Rather, they demand measurable outcomes and sustained action.
With Jackie Shroff at the forefront, 20,000 young eco warriors have taken a tangible step toward environmental restoration. If fulfilled, their pledge could result in 20 lakh new trees by 2026.
The message, therefore, is unmistakable: the future belongs to those who choose responsibility over rhetoric — and who are willing to plant it into the soil.
