Since the inception of the programme, more than 9 Lakh saplings, affecting a population of about 40 Lakh people have already been distributed in India.

In less than 3 years since its launch, several activities and important landmarks have created the movement that Nanhi Chhaan has now become, creating widespread impact. Some of these are:

• 27th August 08: Launch of the Nanhi Chhaan initiative from the Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab. 5000 people attended with Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Sukhbir Badal and President of the Shiromani Akali Dal present to launch the distribution of saplings and exhort the people.

• 19th October 08: Launch of an awareness program from Talwandi Sabo Gurudwara. Over 25,000 women participated and took saplings. A major connect with rural Punjab was established.

• 29th Nov. 08: Presentation to the National Council of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at Chandigarh. CII leadership has offered to adopt the initiative as a national program.

• 24th Dec 08: Very large awareness program was held at Fatehgarh Sahib Gurudwara. The event was landmark connecting with both rural and urban populations.

• 7th Feb 09: To confirm the secular credentials of Nanhi Chhaan, the leadership of several faiths were met collectively at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, to seek their commitment to Nanhi Chhaan. Leaders from the different faiths -– Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Bahai, Jain and Jewish attended the meeting and pledged support to the secular agenda of the Nanhi Chhaan campaign.

• 22nd March 09: The initiative was formally launched in Delhi by the Lt. Governor from the Sacred Heart Cathedral (near St. Columbus School, Gol Dak Khana) in the presence of Rev. Vincent M. Concesso, Archbishop of Delhi, Mr. Arun Maira, Chairman Save the Children and Mr. Ravi Singh, Head of WWF.

• April 2009: A launch was conducted from the Govind Dev Ji Temple in Jaipur on 12th April, followed by a launch from the Dargah at Ajmer Sharif in Ajmer.

• 27th July 2009: Nanhi Chaan was launched at the Nizamuddin Dargah

• 6th August 2009: The initiative was launched by the Chief Minister of Delhi Shiela Dixit at the Bangla Sahib Gurdwara, bringing together over 500 school students, young people, NGO’s, citizens and families.

• 29th August 2009: Formal adoption of Nanhi Chhaan by CII. 20 scholarships announced at their Chandigarh Conclave.

• 22nd October 2009: Adoption of Village Qila Jiwan Singh, Amritsar, in the presence of Amritsar D.C. and Principal, BBK DAV College for Women.

• 23rd October 2009: Adoption of Nanhi Chhaan by Amritsar College of Engineering & Technology. Announcement for 2 scholarships to be given every year for needy girl students.

• 19th December 2009: CRPF adopts the Nanhi Chhaan Programme across all 210 battalions in the country. Inaugurated by Mr. P. Chidambaram, Union Home Minister along with D.G. CRPF, in the presence of Mr. Harpal Singh, Chairman Nanhi Chhaan Foundation.

• 6th-7th March 2010: NDTV & Nanhi Chhaan associate together for the Greenathon held in Delhi. Inauguration by Smt. Sheila Dixit, CM Delhi with Mr. Prannoy Roy, Chairman NDTV at Central Park Connaught Place. Greenathon successfully run from 3 locations – CP, Vasant Valley School & Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj. 8,000 saplings distributed in a span of 24 hours.

Way Forward

• Nanhi Chhaan commits to distributing 10 Lac saplings in Punjab alone through initiatives from many institutions of civil society including educational institutions, places of worship, corporates, NGOs etc.

• Having launched in Delhi, Nanhi Chhaan will work at extending sapling distribution and community programming to over 8 places of worship in the Capital.

• By the end of the year, launches are also proposed in Haryana and U.P. As in the previous years, we intend to engage with multiple stakeholders to partner and achieve our objectives.

• As the reach of Nanhi Chhaan’s activities are going to be wide spread, specific M & E methodologies will be planned in consultation with partners, developing the Nanhi Chhaan philosophy and personalizing the same to the needs of each stakeholde