Siteki- The High Commission of India in Eswatini today, Wednesday, joined officials from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to plant trees at Matsetsa School for the Deaf and Dumb in Siteki under the #EkPedMaaKeNaam (A Tree for Mother) campaign.
High Commissioner N. Ram Prasad, Under Secretary Makhosi Simelane, Director Mcusi Shongwe, Second Secretary Sriram, and Matsetsa Head Teacher Nomsa Maseko led the initiative alongside students and staff. The drive is part of India’s global campaign, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, encouraging citizens to plant trees in tribute to their mothers and promote environmental sustainability.
The planting, held during the #SwachhtaHiSeva fortnight from 17 September to 2 October 2025, included 30 saplings of mango, guava, papaya and berry trees. The campaign aims to teach students about the environmental and nutritional benefits of trees while fostering a greener future. 
Students performed a cultural programme before the tree planting, celebrating both nature and heritage. High Commissioner Prasad noted that nurturing the environment honours mothers’ sacrifices and contributes to the wellbeing of future generations.
As part of the initiative, the High Commission also donated 50 books to establish a mini-India corner at the school, providing students access to Indian culture, literature and history.
Under Secretary Simelane thanked the High Commission for the saplings and encouraged the school community to care for the trees, noting that the fruit harvest could reduce future reliance on purchased produce.
The event concluded with the dignitaries planting the trees across the school compound, cementing cooperation between the Indian High Commission and local authorities to support environmental and educational projects.
