Dear Friends,
Namaskaram.
A million words would not be enough to capture the emotion conveyed by this photograph from Nepal—a two-and-a-half-year-old sister being comforted by her four-year-old brother. It is perhaps one of the most poignant and divine images of our time, silently reminding us of the human cost of environmental disasters. Nepal’s Prime Minister, Mahendra Shah, rightly called for “climate justice” from the international community, pointing out that Nepal is among the victims of global warming and carbon emissions generated largely by industrialised nations. Nepal’s carbon footprint is just one, compared with 14 for the USA.
At Rameswaram, we began addressing the challenges of global warming more than a decade ago. It is heartening that the Government of Tamil Nadu has now taken steps to decarbonise Rameswaram. We hope that these initiatives, together with the efforts of the people and organisations working on the ground, will help transform Rameswaram into a carbon-negative pilgrimage island in the years to come.
This month’s newsletter highlights the following:
- Archaeology and Heritage: Online Palsuvai Nigaltchi programme.
- Green Health: An informative article on the nutritional benefits of Browntop millet (Kattu Varagu) by Dr. A. Abirami, Programme Officer, C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre.
- Livelihood: Reports on the training programme on livelihood.
- Landscaping and Beautification: Plantation of flower plants
- Revival and Renovation of Teerthams: Maha Teertha pooja along with updates on the regular Teertha pooja activities.
- Social Capital: Highlights of Teertha Mitra meeting, Anandalaya teachers meeting along with the report of Anandalayas, School competitions, Celebration of Independence day and a newsletter prepared by students from Rameswaram.
With best wishes,
Editorial Team
Green Rameswaram Project
Railway Feeder Road, Opp. To Hotel Vinayaka
Rameswaram – 623526
Ph: 04573 – 299496(office)
E-mail: greenrameswaram@gmail.com
Web: www.vknardep.org; www.greenrameswaram.org & www.vasudhaindia.in