It was meant to be cycling in Northeast
monsoon, but never was there any rain except two cyclones. Passed through
following coastal districts (and UT) Puducherry, Cuddalore, Karaikal,
Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi,
Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari…about 800kms. It was sponsored by TI Cycles and with help from WWF.
About 30 educational institutions were covered and direct interactions with about 4700students. One hour talk session were conducted, 40minutes was put on a power point presentation (ppt) followed by 20minutes quiz. The need for educational institutions to be extension of nature was stressed. Frameworks for Nature Clubs/Eco Clubs and activities were suggested. The quiz focused mostly on TamilNadu, so as to create awareness on local biodiversity. Pens were distributed for appreciation.
About 30 educational institutions were covered and direct interactions with about 4700students. One hour talk session were conducted, 40minutes was put on a power point presentation (ppt) followed by 20minutes quiz. The need for educational institutions to be extension of nature was stressed. Frameworks for Nature Clubs/Eco Clubs and activities were suggested. The quiz focused mostly on TamilNadu, so as to create awareness on local biodiversity. Pens were distributed for appreciation.
The main focus
was to create awareness among younger generations on fragile coastal ecosystem
as the region falls in the same
- Broader aspect of greenhouse gas (specifically CO2) initiated global warming and sea level rise
- The issue of ocean acidification and ocean warming (bleaching of corals)
- Plastic pollution of ocean and its serious consequences were explained
The journey had some hiccups starting
with constant liquidity crunch due to demonetization therefore depended on
debit card payment or cheaper options, unfortunate passing away of CM Ms
Jayalalitha, which delayed the event by about four days as also messed up the
schedule. Cyclone Nada cost one day while I was not affected by cyclone Vardah.
Add to it many institutions were having exams leading to last minute
cancellations and festival holiday. Otherwise the event went smoothly and with
sufficient accuracy, fulfilling the intentions that were set out.
