“Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
Every July, India comes together to celebrate Van Mahotsav, the Festival of Forests. Initiated in 1950 by Dr. K. M. Munshi, who was then the Union Minister for Agriculture and Food, this occasion takes place every year for a whole week, from July 1 to July 7. The event encourages plantation of trees and raises public awareness about the critical role that forests play in sustaining ecological balance and wildlife habitats. But this ceremony is more than just a symbolic gesture — it’s a call to action.
India has lost about 2.33 million hectares of tree cover from 2001–2020. The consequences are stark including desertification, reduced water availability, and fragmented wildlife habitats, forcing animals into human-dominated areas, which can increase conflict and risk of extinction.
At Wildlife SOS, we believe that protecting wildlife goes hand in hand with conserving the forests they call home. This Van Mahotsav, our teams across India came together through meaningful, hands-on conservation activities, bringing together communities, students, officials, and volunteers in a collective effort to give back to nature.
A Green Start at MLRC and ABRF
To launch our events for Van Mahotsav, Wildlife SOS Co-founders Kartick Satyanarayan and Geeta Seshamani planted a tree at the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC) in Junnar, Maharashtra. This symbolic gesture set the tone for a week of deep-rooted action, which is a commitment not just to plant trees, but to nurture them and the life they sustain as well.
At Uttar Pradesh’s Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF), M.V. Baiju Raj, Director – Conservation Projects with Wildlife SOS, joined hands with local forest department officials for a tree-planting drive aimed at improving the green cover around the centre. The trees planted here will one day offer shade, food, and shelter to native birds, insects and mammals, reinforcing how afforestation is a powerful tool for habitat restoration.
With a mission to involve citizens, our Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC) team in Karnataka stepped up and hosted a series of engaging events that combined education with action among youth and volunteers:
Seed balls and Sustainable Action | July 2
Volunteers joined our team to make and disperse seed balls, which are compact spheres of soil containing native seeds that would sprout in the monsoon. Scattered in spaces around BBRC, these seed balls support the natural regeneration of local plant species. The day also included participants cleaning resident bear enclosures and crafting enrichments for them too.
Paper Over Plastic | July 3
To mark International Plastic Bag Free Day that falls within the Van Mahotsav week, our team, along with volunteers from Infosys, engaged in eco-friendly activities like making paper bags and installing a new hammock for the bears. The event was led by Wildlife SOS’s Education Officers Krishnamurti and Damini Kulkarni, along with our CSR Project Assistant Bethbalin Kharhujon. The volunteering group actively participated in the setting up of the hammock. By choosing reusable alternatives such as paper and reducing single-use plastic in the making of bags, participants were apprised of how this act can not only protect wildlife from harmful waste, but also promote sustainable habits in our communities.
Forests and the Future | July 4
Our education team from the centre visited the Shillindradoddi Government School in Kagalipura to speak with students about the importance of forests and their deep connection with wildlife. Through storytelling and interactive discussions, students learned about the elusive leopard, a species increasingly affected by habitat loss, and why forests are crucial to their survival.
Science Meets Conservation | July 5
Wildlife SOS participated in Greenwood High School’s science exhibition that brought the concept of conservation to life for students. Using innovative techniques and fun-filled activities, our team included the following at their stall:
- A “Guess the State” game using animal figurines and regional charts
- A bear-themed puzzle
- Informative displays on pugmark identification, microgreens, and the journey of BBRC
These creative educational tools were quick to attract students, helping them to connect the dots between ecosystems, species conservation, and human impact.
Rewilding for the Future
Our celebration of Van Mahotsav is intertwined with our ongoing efforts to reforest degraded lands through our Rewild for Wildlife initiative. At Wildlife SOS, we are actively planting native trees in three key locations:
- Ramdurga Valley in Karnataka
- Agra Bear Rescue Facility in Agra, Uttar Pradesh
- Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
Why do we choose to plant indigenous trees? Because they form the backbone of ecosystems, support local biodiversity, and help combat climate change. Each sapling planted through this initiative contributes to restoring habitats, preventing soil erosion, and creating homes for India’s rich wildlife.
A Tree Today, A Forest Tomorrow
Whether it’s a sapling planted by a schoolchild, a seed ball scattered in the backyard, or a conversation that sparks change, every action counts. At Wildlife SOS, Van Mahotsav is an opportunity to sow the seeds of awareness, responsibility, and coexistence as well. After all, trees are not just carbon sinks or sources of shade — they are living ecosystems that support countless life forms, from owlets and leopards to insects, fungi, and even microscopic networks underground.
We invite you to join us in building a greener future from humans and wildlife, one tree at a time.
Support our Rewild for Wildlife project today by making a donation.
Feature image: Hemant Chakma/ Wildlife SOS
