2026

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

Dear Friends,

Namaskaram.

Assam’s recent floods, among the worst in decades, have affected over eight lakh people and claimed several lives. While triggered by extreme rainfall, the disaster has been intensified by environmental degradation and the growing impacts of climate change.

This is not Assam’s challenge alone—India as a whole is becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate change and global warming. Recognizing this early, we prepared the ‘Green Resilient Rameswaram’ plan in 2017 as a roadmap for sustainable and climate-resilient development.

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  Banyard Millet (Kuthiraivali) by Dr. A. Abirami, Programme Officer, C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre and Free Siddha Medical Camp.
• Livelihood: Reports on the various skill development and livelihood training programmes conducted during the month.
• Revival and Renovation of Teerthams: Maha Teertha pooja along with updates on the regular Teertha pooja activities.
• Social Capital: Highlights of Guru Purnima celebrations, Teertha Mitra meeting, Anandalaya teachers meeting along with the report of Anandalayas, School competitions 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

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

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

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

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

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

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