In an extraordinary demonstration of global unity and environmental commitment, a nonprofit organization Dr. Shri Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratisthan (DSNDP), organized a Mega Cleanliness Drive and Tree Plantation/Conservation Event, titled "500 Green Milestones Powered by DSNDP", spanning across New York City and New Jersey on June 28th, 2025. This initiative was held to celebrate the completion of 500 environmental events by DSNDP across the USA and Canada.
This large-scale initiative was organized in alignment with World Environment Day to raise awareness and action toward protecting our environment. Under the leadership of DSNDP's visionary founder Dr. Appasaheb Dharmadhikari and in the presence of DSNDP co-founder Dr. Sachin Dharmadhikari, the event exemplified the organization's unwavering dedication to environmental justice and global responsibility.
Over 350 dedicated volunteers came together from all over the US and countries including India and Canada, gathered to serve 30 iconic locations in Manhattan Brooklyn, and Queens boroughs of NYC and additional community sites across Middlesex, Union, and Somerset Counties in New Jersey. 237 volunteers dedicated 474 hours, collecting 160 bags of trash amounting to nearly 2400 pounds of waste while also supporting tree conservation efforts. Some of the sites cleaned today included the Empire State Building, Times Square, American Natural History Museum, Grand Central Terminal, World Trade Center, Central Park, Manhattan Bridge among several others.
Two high-visibility billboards at the iconic Times Square aired DSNDP's video worldwide This video, exemplifying DSNDP's grassroots community service across the country and the world, was also broadcast multiple times in a loop on the billboard throughout the event day.
DSNDP has been consistently leading nationwide selfless cleanliness drives and tree plantation conservation programs in collaboration with various state government agencies through the last few years at no cost leading to significant fiscal savings for the government. Since July 2022, more than 5000 DSNDP volunteers have actively contributed to environmental initiatives across 19 states and 127 cities throughout North America, removing over 87,000 pounds of trash and planting over 25,500 trees. These efforts reflect DSNDP's unwavering commitment to a cleaner, greener planet.
Earlier in the day an Inauguration Event was held from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM at St. Peter's University Skyroom, New Jersey. The inauguration event was graced by elected officials: New Jersey Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, Senator Angela V. McKnight, Chairperson of Hudson County Commissioner Anthony Romano, and Jersey City Council President Joyce E. Watterman. DSNDP co-founders Dr. Sachin Dharmadhikari and Dr. Rahul Dharmadhikari, Mrs. Swarupa Sachin Dharmadhikari came from India to mark this event. NJ Congresswoman LaMonica McIver stated, "It's an honor to celebrate DSNDP's 500 green drives' milestone a powerful testament to what's possible when purpose meets passion and communities unite for our planet. Your efforts remind us that environmental justice is social justice, and I'm proud to stand with you in building a better, greener future."
Senator Angela V. McKnight extended her warm congratulations to DSNDP for nurturing a movement that has mobilized communities across the globe around and a shared goal for the environment and social betterment. She also proposed that she will be presenting a resolution to honour the efforts put in by DSNDP. Furthermore, Chairperson of Hudson County Commissioners Anthony Romano said, "I'm truly overwhelmed by the incredible work DSNDP is doing. Your message of 'We are one family' and your commitment to environmental and social impact are deeply inspiring."
Finally, Jersey City's Council President Joyce E. Watterman acknowledged DSNDP's contribution by saying that DSNDP has demonstrated a powerful legacy of faith, service, and environmental stewardship rooted in vision, courage, and love for community. Your continued commitment reminds us that true quality of life begins with clean air, pure water, and a healthier planet for future generations.
Mrs. Swarupa Sachin Dharmadhikari, while addressing the esteemed guests in attendance and all the enthusiastic volunteers, shared that she was sincerely honored to represent the DSNDP family as they celebrate its 500 green drives in just three years. "Rooted in the vision of Dr. Shri Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari, who reminded us that true service lies in what we give back to our country," she further said,, "As we stand here today, let us not only celebrate how far we have come but also envision the road ahead with determination in what we can yet achieve."
Taking place in the same month as World Environment Day, the Mega Cleanliness Drive and Tree Plantation/Conservation Event stands as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to confront urgent environmental challenges climate change, pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. Through clean-up drives, tree planting, and awareness campaigns, this global observance continues to inspire united action toward building a greener, healthier, and more resilient planet for generations to come. This mega event serves as a dynamic reminder that real change is rooted in collective action and echoes its core motto of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” - The World is One Family.
For more details on DSNDP, please visit: http://dsndp.com/index.html
(All photos courtesy: DSNDP)
