The function was jointly organised by members of the Institute, Lions Club of Baroda (Karelibaug), ABVP, Junior Doctors' Association, GEB School and the Baroda Medical College, with which the institute is affiliated.

Addressing the gathering, Patel exhorted environmentalists and educationists to promote planting and use of medicinal plants.

Mayor Bharati Vyas and VUDA chairman Krishnakant Shah, were also present for the function, several senior officials and school principal Nikhil Desai, the Institute's Dhara Shah, joint director K K Shah, Medical College dean J N Shukla, MSU Pro-Vice Chancellor Deepak Kumar De, forest conservator C N Pandey, his deputy G S Pandey and S S G Hospital superintendent Kirit Sheth were present on the occasion.

In another programme, Patel and Civil Supplies Minister Jaspal Singh gave away awards to several panchayats and primary schools for their outstanding efforts in afforestation.