In a world that often overlooks the birth of a girl child, a heartwarming tradition in Rajasthan is rewriting that story one tree at a time. On April 5, 2025, the quiet village of Piplantri turned into a beacon of hope and inspiration as Supreme Court Judges, Rajasthan High Court dignitaries, and legal luminaries paid tribute to a two-decade-old movement that honors every girl child with the planting of 111 trees. This beautiful blend of environmental love and gender respect is not just symbolic; it’s transformative.

A Morning Filled With Meaning: Visit to Piplantri Village

Led by Justice B.R. Gavai, Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), and Justice Sandeep Mehta, the day began with a soulful visit to Piplantri. Joined by Rajasthan High Court Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and other judges, the dignitaries witnessed the living legacy of former Sarpanch Shyam Sundar Paliwal. His initiative has turned the village into a green sanctuary and a symbol of eco-feminism. The Supreme Court had already acknowledged this initiative in a 2024 judgment, calling it a “phenomenal effort” to heal both nature and gender bias.

Legal Awareness and Empowerment at the Grassroots

During the visit, RSLSA organized a special Legal Awareness Camp in Piplantri that focused on forest protection and women’s rights. As part of the outreach, welfare benefits were distributed to local families, and wheelchairs were provided to differently-abled citizens. In a touching gesture, eight young girls received financial support under the Piplantri Panchayat Kiran Nidhi Yojana, further anchoring the village’s values in empowerment and inclusion.

A New Vision: ‘Srijan ki Suraksha Yojana 2025’

In a first-of-its-kind eco-feminist initiative, RSLSA launched “Srijan ki Suraksha Yojana 2025 – Eco Feminism.” As a pilot project, each of the 36 District Legal Services Authorities in Rajasthan will choose one gram panchayat where 11 saplings will be planted on the birth of every girl child. These families will also receive ‘Green Girl Cards’ linking them to welfare and legal services. If the pilot succeeds, this heartwarming idea could soon spread across the entire state, giving every girl child a green beginning.

Green Justice Conference: A Moral and Legal Mission

The second half of the day brought together judges, activists, and thinkers for the state-level conference titled “Green Justice: Role of Legal Services Institutions for Green & Clean Environment & Sustainable Development.” Justice Gavai called the visit to Piplantri a “pilgrimage,” emphasizing the judiciary’s responsibility to balance development with environmental preservation. Justice Sandeep Mehta coined a new phrase, calling this the era of “Green Opportunity” rather than “Golden Opportunity,” suggesting that preserving nature is not just a duty but a chance to rebuild a better world. A letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also read, commending Piplantri’s inspirational work. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal evoked the wisdom of poet Kabir and praised the role of environmentalists like Sundar Lal Bahuguna and Amrita Devi, saying the move from coal to solar energy is India’s real “Green Justice.”

Legal Voices and Literary Celebrations

Chief Justice Shrivastava reminded everyone that the right to a clean and green environment is deeply tied to our fundamental rights. Justice Chandrashekhar welcomed the gathering with insights into how Legal Services Authorities can be bridges between judicial interpretation and grassroots action. Several powerful publications were released during the event, including:

• ‘Asha, ’ a guidebook for preventing child marriages by NALSA
• ‘Nari Ki Udaan, ’ a touching tribute to women’s empowerment
• ‘Green Verdicts’, a collection of progressive environmental judgments
• RSLSA’s 2025 Calendar and Action Plan
• ‘Empowering Justice’, a three-year journey of legal reforms from 2022 to 2025

Dr. Kriti Bharti, a celebrated activist against child marriage, and Arjit Banerjee, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, also shared their thoughts. Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati concluded the event with a heartfelt vote of thanks, marking the end of a deeply meaningful day.

Planting Trees, Planting Futures

Piplantri is not just a village; it’s a vision. A living, breathing example of what happens when communities come together to nurture both the earth and its daughters. Through this initiative, trees are no longer just saplings; they are symbols of promise, equality, and environmental healing. And as the judiciary joins hands with grassroots efforts, a new kind of justice is being born one that is as green as it is good.

Disclaimer: This article is based on real events reported from the RSLSA’s Green Justice Conference and the visit to Piplantri village. All efforts have been made to maintain factual accuracy while presenting the content in a simplified, human-friendly manner. This article is written for informational and awareness purposes only.

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