2026
Read Covering Letter – Rama’s squirrel calling
Dear Friends,
Namaskaram.
World Environment Day 2026 was celebrated across the globe on Friday, 5 June 2026. This year’s campaign was centred on the theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”, highlighting the vital role of nature-based solutions in addressing climate change and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.
We invite you to watch the inspiring video released on this occasion and join the global movement towards environmental stewardship and sustainable living.
Please click below and enjoy the story.
This month’s newsletter highlights the following:
- Archaeology and Heritage: Coverage of the Kutumba Kshema Pooja and the online Palsuvai Nigaltchi programme.
- Green Health: An informative article on the nutritional benefits of Little Millet (Samai) by Dr. A. Abirami, Programme Officer, C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre.
- Livelihood: Reports on the various skill development and livelihood training programmes conducted during the month.
- Revival and Renovation of Teerthams: Updates on the regular Teertha Poojas and related conservation activities.
- Social Capital: Highlights of Teertha Mitra meetings, village-level interactions, celebrations of International Yoga Day, activities at Anandalaya, the Sarva Teertha Maha Sangamam, 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
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
Kutumba Kshema Pooja
In June 2026, two Kutumba Kshema Pūjās were conducted and 44 participants benefited. The rituals were performed for family welfare, peace, prosperity, and harmony. The programme included lamp lighting, collective Ārati, and special prayers for family wellbeing. Prasādam (Kesari) and manjal-kumkumam were distributed to participants. The events were conducted smoothly with active participation, and attendees expressed their satisfaction and spiritual fulfillment
Green Health
by Dr. A. Abirami C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre, Chennai
Distribution and Habitat
P. sumatrense is an annual erect or geniculate grass, 30–100 cms. tall, belongs to family Poaceae. It occurs wild and as a weed in Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, China, Philippines, Indonesia. In India, it is cultivated mainly in the Eastern Ghats and is drought/water logging tolerant.
Livelihood Report
Training programme
In the month of June 02 Training programmes conducted and 09 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 28 traditional water bodies with the participation of 1321 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
Teertha Mitra Meeting
On 4 June 2026, the final Teertha Mitra meeting for the Sarva Teertha Maha Sangamam Festival was successfully conducted with the participation of 110 members, including key leaders, important volunteers, and Teertha Mitras representing various villages. The meeting focused on finalizing all festival arrangements and ensuring that every aspect of the event was well coordinated. The duties and responsibilities of each volunteer and Teertha Mitra were clearly explained, enabling everyone to understand their respective roles and contribute effectively to the smooth execution of the festival.
Squirrel Green Rameswaram Newsletter
For students….
From students ..
70th issue – June 2026
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.
