By: Shehneela Mazhar
In the tranquil corners of North Punjab, a heart beats with an unwavering devotion to a cause that began as a tender tribute to a beloved mother. Meet Mazhar Ul Haq Hashmi under PUAN Eco-Warriors series! An exceptional individual whose journey is intertwined with the TEA Exchange Program of 2019 and a fervent dedication to his homeland’s greenery.
For Mazhar, the roots of his mission can be traced back to his adored mother. In 2017, his world was shaken when his mother suffered a paralytic attack. Fueled by a son’s boundless love and a heart seeking divine mercy, he embarked on a journey of planting trees in her name. Each sapling was a prayer for her recovery, a gesture of hope woven into the earth.
As fate would have it, his mother’s earthly journey came to an end on March 21, 2020. In the midst of mourning, Mazhar found solace in turning that poignant day into an annual tree-planting event—a living testament to her memory and a gesture of continuous charity that honored her eternal salvation. Coincidentally, March 21 also marks World Forest Day, a synchronicity that felt like a cosmic nod of approval.
However, this journey of love was destined for a broader purpose. Faced with the sobering realities of climate change and its impact on his homeland’s delicate ecosystem, Mazhar resolved to channel his efforts towards a grander mission. Love for his mother turned into love for his motherland, a force to drive him towards environmental activism.
Armed with determination, Mazhar embraced the belief that where there’s a will, there’s a way. He transformed his own bike into a vessel for transporting plants to distant corners, showing that ingenuity and passion are the true resources for change. His rallying cry, “Plant trees, save lives,” echoed through the community, and soon, a network of volunteers joined his cause.
Against all odds, Mazhar’s unwavering resolve led to the planting and distribution of over 50,000 plants across his country, leaving a verdant trail of change in his wake. His actions not only beautified his surroundings but also revitalized the ecosystem, inviting a diverse array of birds back to their once-lost habitats.
Beyond the numbers, Mazhar sowed seeds of awareness. Through walks, tree-planting drives, and collaborative efforts with local authorities, he championed the cause of greenery. As an educator, he nurtured the next generation’s connection with the earth, urging his students to become stewards of the environment through extracurricular activities.
Mazhar’s journey is a testament to the power of love, compassion, and individual action. His story illuminates the fact that one person’s dedication can ripple through society, fostering positive change that echoes far beyond the individual. As he continues to nurture his mission, Mazhar Ul Haq Hashmi stands as an embodiment of the transformative impact that can be achieved when love and purpose align.
