Basil Plantation for a Cleaner Environment – Swami Jitendranath Maharaj ‘Tarun Bharat’ campaign receives appreciation Reporter: Dhananjay, Nagpur

Anjangaon Surji, Aug 13 – As part of Narkesari Prakashan’s Amrit Mahotsav year celebrations, a special cleanliness and basil plantation drive is being held at temples, monasteries, and community halls. On Wednesday morning, this campaign was inaugurated at Shri Devnath Maharaj Math by Swami Jitendranath Maharaj, who planted a basil sapling to mark the occasion.
Shri Narkesari Prakashan’s Director, Pradeep Kalele, and Sahakar Bharati’s National Organising Minister, Sanjay Pachpor, were prominently present. In his blessings, Swami Maharaj said, “Tarun Bharat is a newspaper that works with a national vision and for the welfare of society. May it grow, prosper, and spread its reach across India. May it always serve the nation, God, religion, culture, and tradition.” He congratulated everyone on the campaign’s success.
Before the plantation, Pradeep Kalele explained the details of the campaign and offered respects to Swami Maharaj. Swami then planted the basil sapling and distributed basil plants to five women as a symbolic gesture. Tarun Bharat Amravati District Representative Girish Sherekar spoke about the tradition of collective Tulsi Vivah. This was followed by the worship of Tulsi Mata and Radha-Krishna, after which prasad was distributed to the large gathering of devotees.
In total, 125 women received basil plants. The event was supported by Pushpak Bhirangi, Harshal Choudharkar, and others. Tarun Bharat’s Deputy Editor (Nagpur) Rajendra Marodkar, Amravati Distribution Representative Pravin Metkar, and Anjangaon Surji Representatives Anil Jinturkar, Ashok Pinjarkar, and Sunil Jinturkar were also present.

Why Basil Plantation Matters
Basil (Tulsi) is considered sacred in Indian tradition and is also a natural air purifier. It releases oxygen for 20 hours a day, absorbs harmful gases like carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide, and helps in reducing air pollution. Tulsi leaves have strong medicinal properties – they boost immunity, relieve cough and cold, reduce stress, and promote better digestion. Planting basil not only purifies the environment but also brings health and spiritual benefits to every home.