September 2026
Read Covering Letter – Rama’s squirrel calling
Dear Friends,
Namaskaram.
September 18 marks World Water Monitoring Day, reminding us of the urgent need to protect our most precious shared resource.
As groundwater reserves deplete at an alarming rate, the world faces the growing threat of water bankruptcy. Making water meters compulsory for borewells worldwide can help monitor extraction, prevent over-exploitation, promote accountability, and ensure equitable access to water.
For Green Rameswaram, the flagship initiative is the Revival and Renovation of Water Bodies, which aims to recharge nearby wells, prevent seawater intrusion into freshwater aquifers, and improve local flora and fauna. We hope this initiative will grow into a people’s movement in the coming years, ensuring long-term water security,
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, Kutumba Kshema pooja and the online Palsuvai Nigaltchi programme.
- Green Health: Dr. A. Abirami, Programme Officer, C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre, Chennai, writes on the herbal plant— White Fonio and Free Siddha medical and Eye camp by Aravind Eye Hospital at Green Rameswaram project office.
- 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 SHG meeting, Anandalaya teachers meeting along with the report of Anandalayas, School competitions, Celebration of Universal Brotherhood 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
Newsletters
Archaeology and History
A Rare book - Dhevaiula on Ramanathaswami
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
Digitaria exilis is a monocotyledonous annual cereal grass of the Poaceae family. It is one of the oldest indigenous cereals of Africa, cultivated for over 5,000-7000 years. It is a small, slender, tufted, erect annual herb, 30-80 cm tall, with fibrous roots and slender stems. It is native to the Savannahs and Sahel region of West Africa.
Livelihood Report
Training programme
On 19th September 2026, a training programme on kitchen gardening was conducted, with five participants attending. The training was mainly on Kitchen garden.
Landscaping and Beautification
Flower Plants Plantation activities
On 17th September 2026, a flower plantation programme was conducted at No. 1 Panchayat Union School, Rameswaram, with 20 flowering plants planted on the school premises. The initiative aimed to create a greener and more attractive campus while encouraging students to appreciate nature and take responsibility for their surroundings. The flowering plants will enhance the beauty of the school and foster environmental awareness among students.
Revival and Renovation of Traditional Water Bodies
Teertha Pooja
During this month, Teertha Poojas were performed at 16 traditional water bodies with the participation of 234 volunteers. Members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Teertha Mitras, and yoga students actively volunteered in conducting the poojas.
Social Capital
Universal Brotherhood Day Celebrations
Universal Brotherhood Day commemorating Swami Vivekananda’s historic address at the Chicago World Parliament of Religions on 11th Septmebr is celebrated every year. This year, the celebration was held at 34 locations with the participation of 569 people.
Squirrel Green Rameswaram Newsletter
For students….
From students ..
73rd issue – August 2026
