A two-day Science and Book Exhibition will take place on 08 and 09 January 2026 at  Annai Scholastica Arts and Science College for women, Thangachimadam, Rameswaram, and will be inaugurated by the District Collector (Thiru .Simranjeet Singh Kahlon,I.A.S.,)of Ramanathapuram.

The exhibition brings together science, literature, and community engagement through a range of thoughtfully curated thematic pavilions, creating a platform for students, educators, researchers, and the public to explore ideas that promote learning, innovation, and sustainability.

A key highlight of the event is Arulagam’s special exhibition on the conservation and sustainable use of sand dunes, an ecologically sensitive coastal system that plays a crucial role in protecting shorelines and supporting biodiversity.

Through an immersive three-dimensional model, visitors can gain a clear understanding of how sand dunes are formed, their natural functions, and their importance in mitigating coastal erosion and climate impacts.

 

The exhibition also features native plant species and climbers unique to sand dune ecosystems, highlighting their role in dune stabilisation and ecological balance.

To extend conservation beyond the exhibition space, select native saplings suitable for home gardens will be available, encouraging individuals and families to actively participate in environmental stewardship.

We warmly invite all residents and visitors traveling to Rameswaram Island in Ramanathapuram District on 08 and 09 January 2026 to visit, engage, and be part of this meaningful initiative that connects science, nature, and sustainable living.

 

இராமேஸ்வரம் தங்கச்சிமடம் அன்னை கொலஸ்டிக்கா பெண்கள் அறிவியல் & கலைக் கல்லூரியில் 08 & 09 -01-2026 இரண்டு நாட்கள் அறிவியல் கண்காட்சியும் புத்தக கண்காட்சியும் ஒருங்கே நடக்க உள்ளது. 

இதனை இராமநாதபுரம் மாவட்ட ஆட்சியர் தொடங்கி வைக்க உள்ளார். இதில் பல்வேறு கண்காட்சி அரங்குகளும் இடம்பெற்றுள்ளன. அதில் முத்தாய்ப்பாக அருளகத்தின் சார்பில் மணல்மேடுகள் பயன்பாடு மற்றும் பாதுகாப்பு குறித்த சிறப்பு கண்காட்சியும் இடம்பெற்றுள்ளது குறிப்பிடத்தக்கது. 

மணல் மேடுகளை ஒரு முப்பரிமான வடிவத்தில் காட்சிப்படுத்தப்பட்டுள்ளது.

மேலும் மணல்மேடுகளுக்கே உரிய செடிகளும் கொடிகளும் காட்சிப்படுத்தப்பட்டுள்ளன. 

வீட்டு வளாகத்தில் நட்டு பராமரித்து பயனடையும் வகையில் செடிகளும் விற்பனைக்கு வைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.
இராமநாதபுரம் மாவட்டம் இராமேசுவரம் தீவுக்கு 
08 மற்றும் 09 ஜனவரி 2026 தேதிகளில் 
பயணிக்கும் அனைவரும் கலந்து கொண்டு பயனடையுமாறு அன்புடன் வேண்டுகிறோம்.

 

The Honorable Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin, inaugurated the center established at Pethikuttai for rescuing and translocating wildlife in distress and providing advanced medical treatment to injured animals. Honorable Minister for Forests Dr. R.S. Rajakannappan presided over the event.

Dr. Ganapathi P. Rajkumar, Member of Parliament for Coimbatore, along with Members of the Legislative Assembly and other elected representatives, participated in the event.

Senior officials, Tmt. Supriya Sahu, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Environment, Climate Change & Forest Department; Thiru Srinivas R. Reddy, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (HoFF); and Thiru Rakesh Kumar Dogra, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Chief Wildlife Warden graced the occasion.

The event was organized by the Coimbatore District Forest Division. Arulagam Secretary Bharathidasan S had the opportunity to attend this ceremony organized by the Forest Department in his capacity as a member of the Tamil Nadu State Wildlife Board. 

Mr. Karthiga Rajkumar, President of Arulagam, and Mr. Amirthalingam, Treasurer, also participated.

In conjunction with this event, the distribution of arms to forest guards, the inauguration of the Chadivayal Elephant Camp, and the opening of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department Archives were also held. 

We believe that this Rescue and Treatment Center will play a significant role in saving injured animals and birds in the future. We also welcome the appointment of Veterinarian Dr. Vijayaraghavan as the in-charge of this institution.

இடரில் உள்ள காட்டு உயிரினங்களை மீட்பது மற்றும் காயம்பட்ட உயிரினங்களுக்கு உயர் மருத்துவ சிகிச்சை அளிப்பதற்காக பெத்திக்குட்டையில் அமைக்கப்பட்ட மையத்தை மாண்புமிகு தமிழ்நாடு, துணை முதல்வர், திரு. உதயநிதி ஸ்டாலின் அவர்கள் இன்று தொடங்கிவைத்தார். இந்நிகழ்விற்கு மாண்புமிகு அமைச்சர் முனைவர். ஆர்.எஸ்.ராஜகண்ணப்பன் முன்னிலை வகித்தார்.  இந்நிகழ்வில் முனைவர். கணபதி.ப.ராஜ்குமார், அவர்கள், கோயமுத்தூர் பாராளுமன்ற உறுப்பினர், மற்றும் சட்டமன்ற உறுப்பினர்களும், தேர்ந்தெடுக்கப்பட்ட மக்கள் நிகராளிகளும்  கலந்து கொண்டனர்.

அரசு கூடுதல் தலைமைச் செயலர், திருமதி.சுப்ரியா சாகு, இ.ஆ.ப. , அவர்கள், சுற்றுச்சூழல், காலநிலை மாற்றம் & வனத்துறை, திரு. சீனீவாஸ். ரா.ரெட்டி, இ.வ.ப, முதன்மை தலைமை வனப்பாதுகாவலர், வனத்துறைத் தலைவர் மற்றும் திரு.ராகேக்ஷ் குமார் டோக்ரா, இ.வ.ப., முதன்மை தலைமை வனப்பாதுகாவலர், & தலைமை வன உயிரினக் காப்பாளர் உள்ளிட்டோரும் கலந்துகொண்டனர்.

இந்நிகழ்வோடு இணைந்து வனக்காவலர்களுக்கு ஆயுதங்களை வழங்கும் நிகழ்வும், சாடிவயல் யானைகள் முகாம் திறப்பு விழா மற்றும் தமிழ்நாடு வனத்துறை ஆவணக் காப்பக சேமிப்பகம் திறப்பு விழாவும் ஒருங்கே நடைபெற்றது.

இந்நிகழ்வை கோயமுத்தூர் மாவட்ட வனக்கோட்டம் ஏற்பாடு செய்திருந்தது.

தமிழ்நாடு அரசின் காட்டுயிர் வாரிய உறுப்பினர் என்ற அடிப்படையில் வனத்துறை சார்பாக நடைபெற்ற இவ் விழாவில் கலந்துகொள்ளும் வாய்ப்புக் கிடைத்தது.  அருளகத்தின் தலைவர் திரு.கார்த்திகா இராஜ்குமார் அவர்களும், பொருளாளர் அமிர்தலிங்கம் அவர்களும் கலந்துகொண்டனர்.

அடிபட்ட மற்றும் காயம்பட்ட விலங்குகளையும் பறவைகளையும் காப்பாற்ற இம் மையம் வருங்காலத்தில் குறிப்பிடத்தகுந்த பங்காற்றும் என்று நம்பலாம். அந்நிறுவனத்திற்குப் பொறுப்பாளராக கால்நடை மருத்துவர் விஜயராகவன் அவர்களை நியமித்துள்ளதை வரவேற்கிறோம்.

 

The hill town of Kalpetta in Wayanad came alive on 14 November with the inauguration of Hekky Benakk, a three-day bird festival held in honour of India’s iconic ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali. Named after the Kattunaikka word for “bird festival,” Hekky Benakk is organised by the Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology, a leading conservation-focused NGO based in Kalpetta.

The festival aims to cultivate a deeper public appreciation for birds and their ecological importance. Designed as an immersive, community-centered event, it offers participants a blend of learning, creativity, and nature exploration. Activities include bird photography sessions, workshops on bird calls and identification, expert-led birdwatching trails, and art exhibitions inspired by avian life.

A Grand Inauguration

The inaugural ceremony was graced by prominent dignitaries including:

• Dr. Pramod G. Krishnan, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, Kerala
• Adv. T. Siddique, MLA, Wayanad
• Mr. Samshad Marakkar, President, District Panchayath, Wayanad
• Ms. Meghashree IAS, District Collector, Wayanad

Mr. O.R. Kelu, Minister for the Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes, Kerala, attended as the Chief Guest.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. N. Anil Kumar, Chairman of the State Biodiversity Board, Kerala.
Other notable contributions included a special address by Mr. C. Sasikumar, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Hume Centre, and a guest lecture by Ms. Suprabha Seshan, Ecologist at Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary.

A memorial talk dedicated to Shri M.P. Veerendrakumar was presented by writer O.K. Johnny, followed by an insightful session titled Why Bird Festival by Mr. C.K. Vishnudas, Director of the Hume Centre.

The event also featured felicitations from several local leaders and administrators, underscoring the region’s collective commitment to biodiversity conservation.

Arulagam Highlights the Importance of Vulture Conservation

Hume Centre extended its invite to Arulagam to participate in the Bird festival to represent Vultures. A key attraction at the festival was the stall set up by Arulagam, an organisation that has been working on vulture conservation for more than two decades. Their exhibit drew significant attention with:

• Vulture-themed artwork by artist Mr. Santhosh, created using coconut shells and pebble stones
• A model vulture nest demonstrating nesting behaviour and threats faced by the species
• Awareness materials in Malayalam, including posters and bookmarks

Arulagam also introduced an educational twist to the classic Snake and Ladder game, modifying it to depict the dangers of harmful NSAIDs and the challenges faced by vultures. Ms. Sreekala, a volunteer, guided children through the game, helping them understand how veterinary drugs affect vulture survival. A DIY bird mask activity further engaged young visitors.

The stall attracted a steady stream of bird enthusiasts, many of whom connected deeply with the conservation message and expressed support for Arulagam’s efforts.

Performance Arts Bring Conservation Messages to Life

Arulagam’s performance art team added a creative dimension to the festival. Dr. Venkat introduced a child-friendly bird mask–making kit designed with laser-cut precision, allowing children to assemble masks through simple folds—an activity aimed at sparking curiosity among young nature lovers.

In the evening, the team presented a powerful and engaging drama exploring themes of human greed and ecological imbalance. Mr. Govindharajan played the role of a king whose reckless actions lead to a decline in wildlife populations, particularly vultures. Through the narrative, the play highlighted the environmental consequences of harmful NSAIDs and concluded with an emotional appeal to protect wildlife and preserve the balance of nature.

 

Capturing the Beauty of Birds Through Photography

The Hume Centre also hosted two photography exhibitions:

1. A gallery showcasing the colourful plumage of Wayanad’s birds
2. A bird nesting display, featuring images of nests, eggs, and chicks accompanied by detailed descriptions

Another important section highlighted seven extinct bird species, with volunteers explaining the reasons for their decline and the lessons they offer for present-day conservation efforts.

A Celebration of Birds, Culture, and Conservation

With its blend of science, art, culture, and community participation, Hekky Benakk stands as a vibrant tribute to Dr. Salim Ali’s legacy and a reminder of the urgent need to protect India’s avian biodiversity. The festival continues through 16 November, offering participants—from children to experts—a rare opportunity to learn, engage, and reconnect with nature.

 

Arulagam is implementing a sand dune conservation programme in close collaboration with The Tamil Nadu State Forest Department and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Board, with the financial and technical support of UNDP/GEF/SGP/TERI and with the participation of the local community.

On November 22 and 23, 2025, a team of 29 volunteers from State Street Corporation (Coimbatore) successfully contributed volunteer service conducted on Rameswaram Island.

 

 

The team took part in a beach clean-up at Kurusadai Island, where they collected more than 500 kilograms of plastic waste, including bottles, sachets, and discarded fishing nets. Arulagam received technical support from the Tamil Nadu State Forest Department and M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) for waste recovery. The collected plastic is now being creatively transformed into tourist-oriented artwork, giving the discarded materials a meaningful second life while spreading awareness about sustainability.

The State Street Environmental Committee donated 500 saplings for the conservation carried out by Arulagam. The volunteers participated in sand dune-associated plantation activities at Malligai Nagar, on land managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Board. They successfully planted 500 saplings, including creepers, bushes, and medium-sized trees, and applied mulching to aid growth. 

 

The team also visited Arulagam’s Neithal Nursery, where Mr. Amirthalingam oriented the volunteers on the work carried out there. They learned propagation methods and planting techniques suitable for sandy environments. Mr. Shahid also delivered an informative session on the Tarantula spider species endemic to Rameswaram Island.

 

The intricate aspects of sand-based plantation were explained by Mrs. Kavitha Bharathidasan, Arulagam’s nursery manager. 

 

Ms. Nilitha R. welcomed the gathering, after which all volunteers took the sand dune conservation pledge, which was led by Mr. Natarajan and overseen by Mr. S. Bharathidasan, Secretary of Arulagam. The event concluded with Mr. John Jabez conveying the vote of thanks.

The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 marked a significant milestone in recognizing and restoring the traditional rights of tribal communities over forest resources in India. Among the key provisions of the Act is the legal entitlement of forest-dwelling communities to collect, use, and sell Minor Forest Produce (MFP), thereby enabling sustainable livelihood opportunities rooted in indigenous knowledge and forest conservation practices. However, despite this legal recognition, tribal collectors have historically remained at the lowest end of the value chain, often subjected to exploitation by intermediaries and deprived of fair market returns. 

To address these systemic challenges and to translate legal rights into tangible economic empowerment, the Union Government launched the VDVK scheme. The scheme aims to strengthen tribal livelihoods by promoting collective entrepreneurship, value addition, and market access for forest produce. By enabling tribal members to move beyond raw material collection towards processing, branding, and marketing, the VDVK initiative seeks to ensure sustainable income generation and economic self-reliance. 

In Tamil Nadu, the VDVK programme is implemented through the Tribal Welfare Department, with mentoring and technical support provided by empanelled civil society organisations. In Coimbatore District, Arulagam has been entrusted with the role of mentoring agency to handhold tribal communities in the establishment and operationalisation of VDVKs. This partnership reflects a collaborative approach involving government institutions and grassroots organisations to ensure effective programme implementation. 

As part of the Entrepreneur Awareness Programme conducted under the initiative, Mr. Jabez John delivered the introductory session, providing an overview of Arulagam and its 23 years of work, with particular emphasis on the organisation’s long-standing efforts in conserving and advocating for lesser-known species.He informed the participants that the Tribal Welfare Department has empanelled Arulagam as the mentoring agency to support and guide the implementation of the VDVK programme in Coimbatore District, and formally introduced Mr. Mani, Master Trainer, to lead the technical sessions for the VDVK members. 

As part of the initiative, two tamarind processing units have been established in Coimbatore District at a total cost of ₹14,69,808. One unit is located at Velliyangadu in Kandiyur Village, while the second unit has been set up at Annaikatty in Thuvaipathy Village. Tamarind, a commonly available forest produce in the region, holds strong market potential, making it a viable commodity for value addition and enterprise development. 

Recognising that infrastructure alone is insufficient to ensure success, the programme places strong emphasis on capacity building and entrepreneurial orientation. In this context, Arulagam conducted Entrepreneur Awareness Programmes (EAPs) at Nellithurai and Senguttai villages in 21 January 2024. These programmes focused on building awareness among tribal members about business opportunities, collective enterprise models, and the economic potential of value-added forest produce. 

Following directions from the Tribal Welfare Department, Arulagam resumed the Entrepreneur Awareness Programme at Velliyangadu Village on 21 December 2025, specifically targeting members associated with the newly established processing unit. The session was facilitated by Mr. Mani, Master Trainer, who engaged 32 core group members of the Van Dhan Vikas Kendra through interactive discussions and practical examples drawn from local market realities. 

During the programme, Mr. Mani elaborated on the existing market dynamics that disadvantage tribal producers. He explained how middlemen typically procure raw tamarind from tribal collectors at prices ranging between ₹20 and ₹22 per kilogram, and after processing and value addition, sell the same product in the market at prices as high as ₹180–200 per kilogram. This stark disparity underscores the extent of value capture by intermediaries and the urgent need for tribal communities to gain control over processing and marketing. 

The VDVK initiative directly addresses this challenge by enabling tribal members to engage in value addition at the community level. Through the project, participants are expected to receive 20–30% higher returns compared to traditional raw produce sales. With access to processing machinery provided by the government, communities are encouraged to form Producer Companies or collective enterprises, strengthen their institutional capacities, and develop direct market linkages. 

In addition to infrastructure support, the scheme offers a comprehensive capacity-building package, including business development training, value addition and quality control training, and exposure visits to successful enterprises. These components are designed to equip tribal members with practical skills and confidence to manage enterprises independently and sustainably. 

The establishment of the tamarind processing units is also expected to generate significant local employment. Each unit is projected to provide direct employment to 15–20 tribal members by March 2026, contributing to income diversification and reducing distress migration. By fostering local enterprise development, the initiative aligns with broader goals of inclusive growth, tribal empowerment, and sustainable forest-based livelihoods. 

Overall, the Van Dhan Vikas Kendra initiative in Coimbatore District represents a critical step towards translating forest rights into economic empowerment. Through strategic partnerships, capacity building, and market-oriented interventions, the programme holds the potential to transform tribal communities from raw material suppliers into empowered entrepreneurs, ensuring both livelihood security and long-term sustainability. 

 

International Pollution Elimination Network (IPEN) அமைப்பின் பொதுச் சபை உறுப்பினர்களுக்கான தெற்காசிய அளவிலான கூட்டம் திசம்பர் 2 லிருந்து-4 வரை இலங்கையின் தலைநகர் கொழும்புவில் நடைபெற்றது. கூட்டம் நடைபெறத்திட்டமிட்டிருந்த இரண்டு நாட்களுக்கு முன்னர் பலத்த புயல்சேதம் ஏற்பட்டு இலங்கையைப் புரட்டிப்போட்டிருந்தது.  

சென்னை வரை சென்று குடிபெயர்வு எல்லாம் முடிந்து இலங்கை செல்லும் விமானத்தில் () ஏறுவதற்காக காக்கவைக்கப்பட்டபோது அடை மழை காரணமாக விமானம் தரை இறங்குவதற்கான வாய்ப்பு இல்லை என்று கூறி எங்களைத் திருப்பி அனுப்பினர். இதனால் கொழும்பில் இறங்கி இணைப்பு விமானத்தில் செல்வோர் அதிகம் பாதிக்கப்பட்டனர். அதுகுறித்து விமானப் பணியாளர்கள் சிறிதும் அலட்டிக்கொள்ளவில்லை.  அலட்சியமான பதிலை அளித்தனர். அடுத்த ஓரிரு நாட்களிலேயே இண்டிகோ விமானமும் பெரும் நெருக்கடியை எதிர்கொண்டது. நிகழ்ச்சி நடக்குமா நடக்காதா என்று பெரும் ஐயம் எழுந்தாலும் நிலைமை சீரடைந்துவிட்டது எனக்கூறி நிகழ்ச்சி ஏற்பாட்டாளர்கள் அழைத்தனர். 

தெற்காசியளவில் இயங்கும் பல்வேறு சூழல் செயல்பாட்டாளர்களும் நாம் கண்டுகொள்ளாமல் இருக்கும் சூழல் பாதிப்புகள் குறித்துக் கவனப்படுத்தினர். குறிப்பாக என்றென்றும் இருக்கும் வேதிப்பொருள் என அழைக்கப்படும் Per and poly Fluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS)  பங்களாதேசில் ஏற்படுத்தி வரும் தாக்கம் குறித்துப் பேசப்பட்டது. இது பங்களாதேசில் மட்டுமல்ல இந்தியாவிலும் குறிப்பாக ஆயத்த ஆடை உற்பத்தி செய்யும் இடங்களிலெல்லாம் இதன் தீவீரம் உள்ளது என்பதும் கவனத்தில் கொள்ளத்தக்கது.

பூச்சிக்கொல்லி மருந்துகள்  இலங்கையின் சுற்றுச்சூழலில் ஏற்படுத்தும் தாக்கம் குறித்துக் கவனப்படுத்தப்பட்டது.  

Phthalates தாலேட்டுகள் என அழைக்கப்படும் நெகிழி மென்மிகள் உடலில் நிகழ்த்தும் மாற்றம் குறித்து கவலை தெரிவிக்கப்பட்டது. நெகிழியை மென்மைப் படுத்தவும் நீடித்த உழைக்கவும் சேர்க்கப்படும் இவற்றால் உடலில் இயற்கையாக உற்பத்தி ஆகும் ஹார்மோன்களைச் சீர்குலைத்து வருவது குறித்தும்  குறிப்பாக இவை டையாபர்களில் சேர்க்கப்படுவதால் குழந்தைகளின் கற்றல்திறனிலும் பெரிதும் மாற்றம் நிகழ்வது குறித்து கவனப்படுத்தப்பட்டது. 

அளவுக்கு அதிகமாக மாத்திரைகள் எடுத்துக்கொள்வதாலும் வளர்ப்பு விலங்குகளுக்குத் தரப்படும் மருந்துகளாலும் மனித உடலில் நுண்ணியிர் எதிர்ப்பு அதிகரித்துவருவது உலகம் முழுவதும் பெரும் அச்சத்தை ஏற்படுத்தி வருகிறது என்றும் அரசுகள் விழித்துக்கொண்டு செயல்படவேண்டும் என்றும் வேண்டுகோள் விடுக்கப்பட்டது.

காரீயம் செய்யும் காரியம் குறித்தும் எச்சரிக்கை தெரிவிக்கப்பட்டது. அளவுக்கு அதிகமாக காரீயம் கலக்கப்படும் வண்ணப்பூச்சுகளால் உருவாகும் ஆபத்து குறித்து அருளகம் முன்னமே களப்பணியாற்றியுள்ளது. வண்ணப்பூச்சுகள் மட்டுமின்றி பாரம்பரிய மருத்துவ முறைகளிலும் காரீயம் கலக்கப்படுகிறது. இது நம் கவனத்திற்கு வருவதில்லை. இது குறித்தான எனது பார்வையைப் பகிர்ந்துகொள்ளும் வாய்ப்புக்கிடைத்தது. வரும் காலங்களில் இது குறித்துக் கவனப்படுத்தி வேலை செய்ய அருளகம் திட்டமிட்டுள்ளது.

மூன்று நாள் நிகழ்வும் புதிய பார்வையையும் வரப்போகும் ஆபத்தையும் சவாலையும் விளக்கும் விதமாகவும் எதிர்கொள்ளத் தயார்படுத்தும் விதமாகவும் இருந்தது. 

 

The South Asian regional meeting for the General Assembly members of the International Pollution Elimination Network (IPEN) was held from December 2nd to 4th in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. Just two days before the scheduled meeting, Sri Lanka was severely impacted by a devastating storm that caused widespread damage across the country.

Travel Challenges and Airline Negligence

The journey was fraught with difficulties. After reaching Chennai and completing immigration, we were kept waiting to board the flight to Sri Lanka. However, due to heavy downpours, the flight was cancelled as landing was deemed impossible. This significantly affected passengers traveling to Colombo for connecting flights. The airline staff appeared indifferent and provided negligent responses to the passengers' plight. Shortly thereafter, IndiGo airlines also faced a major crisis. Although there was significant doubt about whether the event would proceed, the organizers eventually called us, stating that the situation had stabilized.

Key Environmental Concerns Discussed

During the meeting, various environmental concern group from across South Asia highlighted critical ecological threats that often go unnoticed:

• Forever Chemicals (PFAS): Significant attention was drawn to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), known as "forever chemicals," and their impact in Bangladesh. It was noted that this is not just a problem for Bangladesh but is also severe in India, particularly in regions involved in ready-made garment production.
• Pesticides: The impact of chemical pesticides on Sri Lanka’s environment was a major point of discussion, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations.
• Phthalates (Plastic Softeners): Concerns were raised regarding Phthalates, chemicals used to make plastics soft and durable. These substances act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with natural hormones. Participants highlighted that their presence in diapers is particularly alarming, as it is linked to changes in children's learning abilities.
• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): The global threat of increasing antimicrobial resistance in humans—caused by the overuse of medications and drugs administered to livestock—was discussed. A plea was made for governments to wake up and take immediate action against this looming health crisis.
• Lead Poisoning: The dangers of lead were also addressed. Arulagam (the organization) has previously conducted fieldwork on the risks posed by paints with high lead content. It was noted that lead is found not only in paints but also in some traditional medicines, which often escapes public scrutiny. I had the opportunity to share my perspectives on this issue, and Arulagam plans to focus more on lead-related advocacy in the future.

Conclusion

The three-day event provided new perspectives and clearly illustrated the upcoming environmental challenges and risks. It served as a vital platform for regional collaboration toward a toxic-free future. Our group work led to several key outcomes, including:

• Clear South Asia priorities and focus areas for the coming year
• Strengthened cross-country collaboration and commitment to joint action
• Renewed momentum for evidence generation, policy engagement, and community outreach
• A shared vision for a safer and toxics-free South Asia

The event was well organised by Toxics Link in association with Centre for Environmental Justice.

Arulagam inaugurated a Vulture Safe Veterinary First-Aid Kit and conducted a comprehensive vulture conservation awareness programme at Thengumarahada village in The Nilgiris. The initiative aims to protect endangered vulture species from the fatal effects of banned veterinary drugs.

The event, held on November 24, 2025, was presided over by Mr. V. Balakrishnan, Joint Director of the Nilgiris Regional Animal Husbandry Department, and was attended enthusiastically by 33 livestock owners from the village.

Focus on Safe Veterinary Practices - 

The programme’s core message centered on mitigating the primary threat to vultures: the use of illegal and lethal Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as Aceclofenac, Ketoprofen, and Nimesulide in livestock. 

• Ms. Sundari, Biologist at Arulagam, highlighted the critical ecological role of vultures as "nature’s clean-up crew," noting their importance in preventing disease spread. She strongly advocated for the use of government-approved safe alternatives, including Meloxicam and Tolfenamic acid, while also encouraging traditional Siddha medicines.
• Joint Director Mr. V. Balakrishnan underscored the ecological significance of Thengumarahada village and stressed that banned drugs remain a major threat requiring continuous public awareness and participation.

The participants demonstrated strong commitment by expressing their willingness to utilize the Vulture Safe First-Aid Kits provided by Arulagam for their livestock.

• Mr. Paraman, Arulagam’s Vulture Welfare Coordinator, detailed the organization’s ongoing conservation efforts. Deputy Director Mr. Parimalraj highlighted how the customary practices of the Parsi community historically support the vulture's natural feeding cycle. Mr. Jabez John, Arulagam’s Tribal Welfare Coordinator, shared a unique cultural perspective, explaining that while vultures were historically known as Pinam Thinni Kazhugu (carcass-eating vultures), Sangam literature respectfully refers to them as Paaru Kazhugu.

The event concluded with the distribution of vulture awareness pamphlets by Ms. Revathi (Sociologist), and the presentation of vulture artwork painted on coconut shells by artist Mr. Santhosh to the dignitaries, celebrating the successful inauguration of this vital conservation program. 

Recognising that vulture-lethal banned drugs (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory drugs ) are used for treating Mastitis, pain, and inflammation, we introduced a Vulture Safe First-Aid Kit in a remote village. The kit contains safer alternatives, such as Meloxicam, and traditional medicine prepared by YourFarm, thereby preventing contamination of the vulture food chain. Mr. S. Bharathidasan, Secretary of Arulagam, described the intervention: The event was organised as a precision attack.