March 2026
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
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”). This month, we will cover stanza 181 and 182
Green Health
by Dr. A. Abirami C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre, Chennai
Distribution and Habitat
Finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn), is one of the millets characterized with highly variable small-seeded monocotyledon and belongs to Poaceae family. It is widely grown as a cereal in the arid areas of Africa and Asia.
Livelihood Report
Training programme
In the month of March 02 Training programmes conducted and 14 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 14 traditional water bodies with the participation of 378 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
Anandalaya stands as a beacon of hope for rural and underprivileged children, dedicated to nurturing their academic excellence and holistic growth.
Squirrel Green Rameswaram Newsletter
For students….
From students ..
67th issue – March 2026
