Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday participated in a tree plantation drive organised at Silver Oak Park, Jangpura Extension, to mark the 6th death anniversary of Sushma Swaraj, the BJP stalwart.
A total of 501 saplings were planted in her memory, an official statement said.
The Chief Minister shared her personal memories of the senior BJP leader and spoke about drawing inspiration from her personality, leadership skills, and deep dedication to the nation and the party.
“Sushma didi’s ideals, affection, and guidance continue to serve as a beacon for us all,” she said, adding that the saplings planted today will grow into tall trees, forever reminding us of her values and principles.
Also, Gupta fondly recalled that when she first got elected as a councillor, Sushma Swaraj taught her the importance of dignity, dialogue, and conduct in public life, and in 2007, “when I became chairperson of the Women and Child Welfare Committee, a seminar organised by the late leader gave me a new direction in life”.
The Delhi Chief Minister also remembered Sushma Swaraj’s humane leadership as India’s External Affairs Minister.
Describing her as the first woman Chief Minister from the BJP and a true inspiration for women empowerment, Gupta said that today’s women leaders are following the path shown by her.
The Chief Minister also called upon all party workers to remain dedicated to fulfilling the late leader’s dreams, and work with full devotion so that the BJP’s journey of public service continues to earn the trust of the people for the years to come.
BJP MP and the late leader’s daughter Bansuri Swaraj, addressing the gathering said, “In the six years since Krishna ji took away our mother from us, the void remains. But when I see the people gathered here today, I see in their eyes that same maternal love and care. Calling her merely my mother seems a celestial understatement. As the honorable CM Smt. Rekha Gupta mentioned, under her loving shadow, many have grown and flourished.”
Speaking on the occasion, Delhi BJP president Virender Sachdeva said, “Today, on the death anniversary of Late Sushma Swaraj, we BJP workers have come together to offer floral tributes and plant 501 trees. Sushma Swaraj was like a mother to all of us. Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call, under the ‘One Tree in the Name of Mother’ initiative, we planted these saplings in her memory, he said.
“Smt Sushma Swaraj’s ideals and personality remain an ongoing source of inspiration for all our workers. From her, we learned how to conduct debate in the House with civility, even in the face of opposition. The way she dedicated her life to public service is a lesson for us all—every worker should serve the nation with the same devotion,” the BJP leader added.
Delhi government ministers Pravesh Verma and Ashish Sood and other BJP leaders attended the function.