February 2026
Read Coverting 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
Newsletters
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”)
Green Health
by Dr. A. Abirami C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre, Chennai
Foxtail Millet - Distribution and Habitat
Setaria italica (Foxtail millet) which belongs to the family Poaceae, with slim, vertical, leafy stems which can reach a height of 1.2-2 m. This plant originated from China, where its cultivation dates back to 5000 BC.
Livelihood Report
Training programme
In the month of February 02 Training programmes conducted and 12 Peoples attended. The training was mainly on Kitchen garden. The following points were covered.
Marine Bio-Diversity
Thuimai Mission
On 13th February 2026, a sea shore cleaning drive was carried out at Arichal Munai under Project Thuimai Mission. A total of 36 participants actively took part in the initiative, including 25 Eco Club students from S.P. Girls Higher Secondary School, 6 Lake Wheel members, and 5 volunteers from Green Rameswaram Trust.
Revival and Renovation of Traditional Water Bodies
Teertha Pooja
During this month, Teertha Poojas were performed at 14 traditional water bodies with the participation of 399 volunteers. Members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Teertha Mitras, and yoga students actively volunteered in conducting the poojas.
Social Capital
Foundation Day
The 12th Foundation Day of Green Rameswaram Trust was celebrated on 2nd February 2026 with great enthusiasm and collective pride, with more than 1,400 participants in attendance.
Squirrel Green Rameswaram Newsletter
For students….
From students ..
66th issue – February 2026
