New Jersey, USA – June 28, 2025 — In a remarkable show of environmental leadership and global unity, the Dr. Shri Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratisthan (DSNDP) marked the achievement of its 500th green initiative with a Mega Cleanliness Drive and Tree Plantation/Conservation Event held across New York City and New Jersey. Titled “500 Green Milestones – Powered by DSNDP,” the large-scale effort brought together over 350 volunteers from the United States, India, and Canada in a celebration of collective service and sustainability.
The event, aligned with World Environment Day, highlighted DSNDP’s commitment to environmental justice under the guidance of visionary founder Dr. Appasaheb Dharmadhikari and in the presence of co-founder Dr. Sachin Dharmadhikari. Volunteers gathered at 30 iconic public sites—including Times Square, Central Park, the Empire State Building, Grand Central Terminal, and the World Trade Center—spanning Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and multiple New Jersey counties such as Middlesex, Union, and Somerset.
Altogether, 237 volunteers contributed 474 hours of service, collecting 160 bags of waste totaling nearly 2,400 pounds, while also supporting critical tree conservation efforts. To mark the milestone, DSNDP’s community service video was aired on two high-visibility digital billboards in Times Square throughout the day, symbolizing the movement’s reach and impact.
Since July 2022, DSNDP has mobilized more than 5,000 volunteers across 19 U.S. states and 127 cities in North America. Their collective work has removed over 87,000 pounds of litter and helped plant over 25,500 trees, all without incurring costs to local governments. These self-funded initiatives have resulted in measurable fiscal savings and heightened environmental awareness at the grassroots level.
The celebration began with an inaugural ceremony at St. Peter’s University Skyroom in Jersey City. Distinguished guests included U.S. Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, New Jersey Senator Angela V. McKnight, Hudson County Commissioner Chairperson Anthony Romano, and Jersey City Council President Joyce E. Watterman. Also in attendance were DSNDP co-founders Dr. Sachin Dharmadhikari, Dr. Rahul Dharmadhikari, and Mrs. Swarupa Sachin Dharmadhikari, who traveled from India to commemorate the occasion.
Congresswoman McIver praised DSNDP’s milestone as “a powerful testament to what’s possible when purpose meets passion,” emphasizing the link between environmental and social justice. Senator McKnight announced her intent to propose a formal resolution recognizing DSNDP’s global impact, while Commissioner Romano and Council President Watterman echoed their admiration for the organization’s dedication to service and sustainability.
In an emotional address, Mrs. Swarupa Sachin Dharmadhikari said, “As we celebrate our 500 green drives in just three years, let us not only honor how far we’ve come but envision the road ahead with renewed determination.” She paid tribute to the vision of Dr. Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari, whose teachings continue to guide the organization’s mission of selfless service.
Taking place during the month of World Environment Day, the mega event served as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address global challenges such as pollution, climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. With its guiding principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — The World is One Family — DSNDP continues to inspire united action for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable planet for future generations.
