Read Coverting Letter – Rama’s squirrel calling …..

January 2026, Vol.10; No.11

Dear Friends,

Namaskaram.

12th January is celebrated across India as Swami Vivekananda Jayanti and National Youth Day. Swami Vivekananda viewed nature and humanity as one. Rooted in Advaita Vedānta, he taught that protecting nature is a spiritual duty, as the outer environment shapes our inner life. He warned that true progress must respect nature’s laws, for nature responds with stern force to neglect. Inspired by his vision, we at Green Rameswaram project strive to follow in his footsteps—doing our humble “squirrel’s work” to build a Green, Resilient Rameswaram.

This month’s newsletter has the following highlights:

Archaeology and Heritage: Shri Rangarajan continues to translate select shlokas from the rare text on the Ramanathaswami Temple. Activities also included the, Pada Pooja at the Anandalaya, Kutumba Kshema Pooja and the online Palsuvai Nigaltchi
Green Health: Dr. A. Abirami, Programme Officer, C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre, Chennai, writes on the herbal plant— Pearl Millet (Bajra) and Free Siddha medical camp at Green Rameswaram project office
Livelihood: Coverage includes the training programme conducted during the period
Revival and Renovation of Teerthas: Poojas were performed at several sites, including the Maha Teertha Pooja at Simha Teertham.
Social Capital: Activities included Swami Vivekananda Jayanti, Anandalaya programmes, School and College level competitions, Republic day celebration, and the newsletter prepared by the students and for the students of 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

Newsletters

Archaeology and Heritage

Green Rameswaram Trust

A Rare book - Dhevaiula on Ramanathaswami By: C.Rangarajan, Chennai

This classical work on Sri Ramanatha Swami of Rameswaram was composed by “Palapattadai Chokkanatha Pillai”. This work was discovered by Sri U.Ve.Saminatha Iyer after comparing multiple versions. He also wrote a commentary on this rare text. He is affectionately called Tamil Thatha (literally, “Tamil grandfather”)

Green Health

Herbal Garden (Muligai Vanam)
by Dr. A. Abirami C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre, Chennai

Distribution and Habitat

Pennisetum glaucum L. R. Br., is an annual cereal crop which belongs to the family Poaceae. It is native to the Sahel region of Africa from Sudan to Senegal. The species has been cultivated for over 4,000 years and it is extensively cultivated in the arid and semi-arid regions of African and the Indian subcontinent.

Livelihood Report

Green Rameswaram Trust

Training programme

On 8th January2026, one Training programme was conducted and 6 stakeholders attended. The training was mainly on Kitchen garden. The following points were covered.

Revival and Renovation of Traditional Water Bodies

Green Rameswaram Trust

Teertha Pooja

During this month of January, Teertha Poojas were performed at 11 traditional water bodies with the participation of 314 volunteers. Members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Teertha Mitras, and yoga students actively volunteered in conducting the poojas.