50000 Trees in One Day: A Rotary Legacy of Green Hope

On a crisp morning, my heart raced with excitement as I joined Rotarians Ravi Lamichhane, Chand SJB Rana, and Suman Ratna Tuladhar from the Rotary Club of Mount Everest. Our destination: Dalchowki, a breathtaking village in Konjyosom Rural Municipality, Lalitpur, about 23 km from Patan. Nestled in Nepal’s hilly heart at 1,200 to 2,300 meters, this serene hill station promised adventure and purpose.

The hour-long drive was thrilling, with twisting roads and epic views. At Dalchowki, we waited an hour for other Rotarians and locals community to join us. Like Darjeeling, this hill station was magical—fog rolled in, skies cleared, rain teased, and a chilly breeze kept us on our toes. Every moment sparked a new thrill in this wild, beautiful place.

District Governor Binod Koirala’s vision set the tone for the day: “My dear fellow Rotarians, as your District Governor, I am committed to an ambitious yet achievable mission: planting 50,000 tree saplings across Rotary District 3292 Nepal-Bhutan on Saturday, July 26, 2025. This initiative is close to my heart, and I call upon each of you to join hands in making it a resounding success. Together, we can create a lasting green legacy for our communities and future generations.” His words, echoed in every speech, fueled our resolve.

Rotary District 3292 has a proud history of massive tree plantations, but this year’s ‘50,000 Trees in One Day’ campaign was its most ambitious yet. By uniting communities, wards, social organizations, educational institutions, and local governments across Nepal and Bhutan, RID 3292 aimed to make this the largest and most impactful tree-planting initiative in its history.

On Plantation Day, as the sun rose, excitement filled the air. Rotarians and community members poured out of their homes, hearts brimming with purpose. Dressed in Rotary T-shirts and caps, they greeted each other with joyful laughter, united by a shared goal. With every step toward the planting sites, determination surged. Young and old carried saplings like treasures, eager to dig into the soil. From parks to hilly areas, trees were planted near schools, public spaces, police stations, and highways, transforming landscapes with hope and greenery.

“This is not just about planting trees; it is about planting hope and strengthening community ties,” said District Governor Koirala. “The widespread participation and devotion to Rotary’s motto of ‘Service above Self, through Reconciliation’ are truly laudable.” The campaign also opened doors for future service, as clubs visited diverse areas, learning local needs and identifying new opportunities.

Post-planting, Rotary clubs collaborated with stakeholders to ensure the saplings’ survival, providing protective fencing, regular watering, and community-led monitoring. This commitment to sustainability underscored the campaign’s long-term vision.

Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo’s theme, ‘UNITE FOR GOOD,’ was vividly realized on July 26, 2025. His message highlighted the power of collective action and a shared commitment to a greener, more sustainable future. The campaign’s success—planting over 50,000 saplings across urban and rural landscapes—proved Rotary’s enduring dedication to service.

As the day ended, Dalchowki’s hills stood prouder, dotted with new life. The ‘50,000 Trees in One Day’ campaign was more than an event; it was a movement, uniting communities and sowing seeds for a thriving planet. With every tree planted, Rotary District 3292 left a legacy of hope, unity, and environmental stewardship for generations to come.