2026
Read Covering Letter – Rama’s squirrel calling
Dear Friends,
Namaskaram.
World Environment Day is celebrated across the globe on 5th June. On this occasion, we would like to share a heartwarming story with our readers.
In June 2016, a dog fell into the deep and slippery Sayran Reservoir in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and was unable to climb the steep concrete walls. A passerby who attempted to rescue the dog also became trapped. Witnessing their plight, several strangers spontaneously joined hands to form a human chain down the embankment, successfully rescuing both the man and the dog.
Please click below and enjoy the story.
This month’s newsletter highlights the following:
- Archaeology and Heritage: Shri Rangarajan continues translating select shlokas from a rare text on the Ramanathaswamy Temple, along with activities such as Kutumba Kshema Pooja and the online Palsuvai Nigaltchi programme.
- Green Health: An article on the nutritional value of Kodo Millet (Varagu) by Dr. A. Abirami, Programme Officer, C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre, and a free Siddha medical camp.
- Livelihood: Coverage of training programmes conducted during the month.
- Revival and Renovation of Teerthams: Maha Teertha Pooja at Sethu Teertham and other regular Teertha poojas.
- Social Capital: Anandalaya yoga class, Teertha Mitra meeting, Village meeting, Personality Development camp and a student-prepared newsletter 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
Read Covering Letter – Rama’s squirrel calling …..
Dear Friends,
Namaskaram.
The Bar-tailed Godwit is one of nature’s greatest long-distance migrants, flying non-stop for nearly 11,000–13,000 km from Alaska to Australia and New Zealand without food, water, or rest. Guided by a natural “biological GPS” linked to the Earth’s magnetic field, the bird prepares for this remarkable journey by storing fat and adapting its body for endurance.
Such extraordinary migratory birds remind us of the importance of protecting wetlands and coastal ecosystems. The Green Rameswaram Project’s efforts to conserve water bodies and maintain a clean, eco-friendly environment help support and safeguard these valuable visitors of nature. Please click below and enjoy the story.
This month’s newsletter highlights the following:
- Archaeology and Heritage: Pada Pooja, Family Welfare Pooja, and the online Palsuvai Nigaltchi programme.
- Green Health: An article on the nutritional value of Proso Millet (Panivaragu) by Dr. A. Abirami, Programme Officer, C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre.
- Livelihood: Coverage of training programmes conducted during the month.
- Revival and Renovation of Teerthams: Maha Teertha Pooja at Mangala Teertham and Teertham cleaning activities at several sites.
- Social Capital: Reports on Anandalayas, Yoga classes, Teertha Mitra meeting, Village meeting, Personality Development camp and a student-prepared newsletter 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
Read Covering Letter – Rama’s squirrel calling …..
Dear Friends,
Namaskaram.
World Water Day is an annual observance held on 22 March by the United Nations to highlight the importance of freshwater and to advocate for the sustainable management of water resources across the world. Recognizing the vital role of water in our everyday lives, we have chosen Water Management as the flagship programme of the Green Rameswaram Project.
Over the past decade, we have revived and renovated more than 50 water bodies in Rameswaram Island alone. Building on this experience and commitment, we are now extending this important work to other districts as part of our continued efforts toward ecological sustainability and community well-being.
This month’s newsletter highlights the following:
- Archaeology and Heritage: Shri Rangarajan continues translating select shlokas from a rare text on the Ramanathaswamy Temple, along with activities such as Pada Pooja, Family Welfare Pooja, and the online Palsuvai Nigaltchi programme.
- Green Health: An article on the nutritional value of Finger Millet (Kezhvaragu) by Dr. A. Abirami, Programme Officer, C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre, and a free Siddha medical camp.
- Livelihood: Coverage of training programmes conducted during the month.
- Revival and Renovation of Teerthams: Maha Teertha Pooja at Ramar Teertham and Teertham cleaning activities at several sites.
- Social Capital: Reports on Anandalayas, the visit of ANI News, and a student-prepared newsletter 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
Read Covering Letter – Rama’s squirrel calling …..
Dear Friends,
Namaskaram.
The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Forests, Government of Tamil Nadu, has appointed Green Rameswaram Trust as the Project Management Unit (PMU) to develop Rameswaram as a Carbon Neutral Hub.
On behalf of the Trust, Shri G. Vasudeo signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the District Collector, Shri Simranjeet Singh Kahlon, I.A.S., during the District-level Stakeholder Workshop held on 10th February at the Ramanathapuram District Collectorate.
The District Collector has also constituted a District-level Project Steering Committee to ensure effective implementation. This initiative to de-carbonise Rameswaram will further strengthen the Green and Resilient Rameswaram Project.
This month’s newsletter has the following highlights:
- Archaeology and Heritage: Shri Rangarajan continues translating select shlokas from a rare text on the Ramanathaswami Temple. The activities also included the online Palsuvai Nigaltchi programme.
- Green Health: Dr. A. Abirami, Programme Officer, C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre, Chennai, contributes an article on the nutritional value of Foxtail Millet (Thinai).
- Livelihood: Coverage of the training programme conducted during the month.
- Marine Biodiversity: Activities include the cleaning of the Arichal Munai area under Project Thuimai Mission.
- Revival and Renovation of Teerthams: Poojas were performed at several sites, including the Maha Teertha Pooja at Jata Teertham, along with Teertham cleaning activities.
- Social Capital: Highlights include the 12th Foundation Day celebration, a report on Anandalayas, and the newsletter prepared by 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
Read Covering Letter – Rama’s squirrel calling …..
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
Archaeology and History
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”). This month, we will cover stanza 183 and 187.
Green Health
by Dr. A. Abirami C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre, Chennai
Distribution and Habitat
Paspalum scrobiculatum (Kodo millet), belonging to Poaceae, is a tufted, annual to short-lived perennial grass cultivated for >3000 years in India. It is widely grown across India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia, and parts of East and West Africa. The species thrives in warm, tropical to subtropical climates and is adapted to marginal lands.
Livelihood Report
Training programme
In the month of May, One training programme conducted and 06 Peoples attended. The training was mainly on Kitchen garden. The following points were covered.
Revival and Renovation of Traditional Water Bodies
Teertha Pooja
During this month, Teertha Poojas were performed at 11 traditional water bodies with the participation of 247 volunteers. Members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Teertha Mitras, and yoga students actively volunteered in conducting the poojas. The detailed list is given below.
Social Capital
Anandalaya
The Anandalaya Yoga Training Program was successfully conducted during May 2026 through two offline sessions and a six-day online training programme for teachers. The training covered yoga theory, pranayama, relaxation techniques, healthy living, and the practice of various asanas. Participants actively engaged in the sessions, enhancing their knowledge and practical skills in yoga, physical fitness, mental well-being, and holistic wellness. The programme was well received and appreciated for promoting teacher development and healthy lifestyles.
Squirrel Green Rameswaram Newsletter
For students….
From students ..
69th issue – May 2026
Archaeology and History
Pada Pooja
Pada pooja ceremony was organised at Anandalaya to inspire students to express gratitude, respect, and devotion toward their parents, who are regarded as their first teachers and guides. Students from various Anandalayas participated with enthusiasm, accompanied by their parents and teachers.
Green Health
by Dr. A. Abirami C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre, Chennai
Distribution and Habitat
Panicum miliaceum (Proso millet) which belongs to the family Poaceae, is an erect herbaceous plant. It has been cultivated in eastern and central Asia for more than 5000 years later spread into Europe. It is widely cultivated as a cereal across India, Nepal, Western Burma, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and South East Asian countries.
