World Environment Day Pledge taken on 5, June, 2026 in SEVAI Natesan Government Aided Primary School in Mettumarudur

Photos of on World Environment Day.

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இன்று உலக சுற்றுச்சூழல் தினத்தை முன்னிட்டு, பேரூராட்சி தலைவர் மற்றும் அலுவலர்கள் முன்னிலையில், SEVAI Government Aided Natesan Primary School, Mettumarudur மாணவர்கள் உறுதிமொழி ஏற்றனர். மரம் நடுதல், நீர் மற்றும் மின் சிக்கனம், பிளாஸ்டிக் பயன்பாட்டைக் குறைத்தல், கழிவுகளை முறையாக மேலாண்மை செய்தல் ஆகிய செயல்களில் தொடர்ந்து ஈடுபடுவோம் என மாணவர்கள் உறுதி கூறினர். இந்நிகழ்வு சிறுவயதிலேயே சுற்றுச்சூழல் பொறுப்புணர்வை வளர்கும் முக்கிய படியாக அமைந்தது.🙋🥉

World Environment Day Pledge taken in SEVAI Natesan Government Aided Primary School Mettumarudur 🙋

இன்று உலக சுற்றுச்சூழல் தினத்தை முன்னிட்டு, பேரூராட்சி தலைவர் மற்றும் அலுவலர்கள் முன்னிலையில், SEVAI Government Aided Natesan Primary School, Mettumarudur மாணவர்கள் உறுதிமொழி ஏற்றனர். மரம் நடுதல், நீர் மற்றும் மின் சிக்கனம், பிளாஸ்டிக் பயன்பாட்டைக் குறைத்தல், கழிவுகளை முறையாக மேலாண்மை செய்தல் ஆகிய செயல்களில் தொடர்ந்து ஈடுபடுவோம் என மாணவர்கள் உறுதி கூறினர். இந்நிகழ்வு சிறுவயதிலேயே சுற்றுச்சூழல் பொறுப்புணர்வை வளர்கும் முக்கிய படியாக அமைந்தது.🥉

World Environment Day Pledge By SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Pettavaithalai 🙋

Pledge taken by students of SEVAI Shanthi 

Launching of Tree plantation in the Campus, teachers and students 

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🌿World Environment Day Pledge*  

_By SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Pettavaithalai_🌿

On this World Environment Day, recognizing the impacts of climate change, I pledge to protect the environment.  

I will use natural resources responsibly.  

I will conserve water, electricity, and energy, and engage in actions that reduce carbon emissions.  

I will plant and nurture trees to increase green cover.  

I will reduce plastic use and manage waste properly.  

I will safeguard biodiversity and natural resources.  

I will contribute to the best of my ability to actions that curb climate change.  

I will spread awareness about the importance of environmental protection, and wholeheartedly commit to working towards a clean, green, and sustainable future.

*SEVAI Observes World Environment Day*

SEVAI Observes World Environment Day at Dasilnaickanoor Watershed Area_

On morning hours of June 5, 2026, SEVAI, a non-profit organization, observed World Environment Day in the Dasilnaickanoor Watershed area with active participation from village children, parents, and farmers. The event brought together the community to reflect on the urgent need for environmental conservation and its direct link to climate change adaptation in rural areas. Mr. K. Devendran, a well-known environmental activist, led the discussions, emphasizing how tree coverage and the development of water bodies can help villages withstand the growing impacts of erratic weather, heat, and water scarcity.

Environmental conservation is not an abstract idea—it is the foundation of rural life. Trees clean the air, reduce heat, prevent soil erosion, and provide shelter for birds and insects. Water bodies recharge groundwater, store rainwater, and support both agriculture and livestock. In villages like Dasilnaickanoor, increasing green cover and restoring traditional water systems are the simplest yet most effective ways to adapt to climate change. Without trees, there is less rain; without rain, farming suffers; without water bodies, summers bring acute shortages. The cycle is clear, and so is the solution.

The process of building climate resilience starts with small, collective actions. SEVAI’s approach focuses on three practical steps. First, tree planting—especially native species like neem, pongamia, mango, and gooseberry—along field bunds, common lands, and around homes. But planting alone is not enough; protecting and watering saplings until they grow is equally important. Second, restoring and maintaining water bodies such as village tanks, ponds, and channels by removing debris and ensuring rainwater flows freely into them. Promoting household rainwater harvesting further boosts water security. Third, shifting toward chemical-free farming by using organic fertilizers to keep soil healthy and prevent water pollution.

Building on the tree planting and conservation work already undertaken by Dasilnaickanoor families, continued care and expansion of green cover can transform the landscape further within a few years—making it greener, cooler, and more water-secure. This is not just about the environment; it is about securing livelihoods, protecting children’s futures, and giving the community the strength to face climate challenges. 

During the event, Mr. K. Devendran also acknowledged the sustained support of Mrs. Benjamine Oberoi, Co-Chairman of OFI, for her knowledge-sharing and hands-on guidance to SEVAI over the years. He specifically appreciated her contribution to water bodies development, food production initiatives, and women’s empowerment programs, noting that her partnership has been instrumental in strengthening SEVAI’s impact on the ground.

SEVAI’s World Environment Day event was a reminder that conservation begins at the grassroots, and that real change grows from the simple, steady work of people who care for their land, supported by committed partners who walk alongside the community.🌿Govin

*SEVAI Observes World Environment Day-_5,: June *

SEVAI Observes World Environment Day at Dasilnaickanoor Watershed Area*

On June 5, ,SEVAI, a non-profit organization, observed World Environment Day in the Dasilnaickanoor Watershed area with active participation from village children, parents, and farmers. The event brought together the community to reflect on the urgent need for environmental conservation and its direct link to climate change adaptation in rural areas. Mr. K. Devendran, a well-known environmental activist, led the discussions, emphasizing how tree coverage and the development of water bodies can help villages withstand the growing impacts of erratic weather, heat, and water scarcity.

Environmental conservation is not an abstract idea—it is the foundation of rural life. Trees clean the air, reduce heat, prevent soil erosion, and provide shelter for birds and insects. Water bodies recharge groundwater, store rainwater, and support both agriculture and livestock. In villages like Dasilnaickanoor, increasing green cover and restoring traditional water systems are the simplest yet most effective ways to adapt to climate change. Without trees, there is less rain; without rain, farming suffers; without water bodies, summers bring acute shortages. The cycle is clear, and so is the solution.

The process of building climate resilience starts with small, collective actions. SEVAI’s approach focuses on three practical steps. First, tree planting—especially native species like neem, pongamia, mango, and gooseberry—along field bunds, common lands, and around homes. But planting alone is not enough; protecting and watering saplings until they grow is equally important. Second, restoring and maintaining water bodies such as village tanks, ponds, and channels by removing debris and ensuring rainwater flows freely into them. Promoting household rainwater harvesting further boosts water security. Third, shifting toward chemical-free farming by using organic fertilizers to keep soil healthy and prevent water pollution.

If every household in Dasilnaickanoor commits to planting a tree and safeguarding a water source, the landscape can transform within a few years—greener, cooler, and more water-secure. This is not just about the environment; it is about securing livelihoods, protecting children’s futures, and giving the community the strength to face climate challenges. SEVAI’s World Environment Day event was a reminder that conservation begins at the grassroots, and that real change grows from the simple, steady work of people who care for their land.☀️🌿Govin

*SEVAI Schools Reopen with Strong Foundations for Rural Learning*

Admission is in progress in Pichandarkoil School 

School stationary bags distributed to Mettumarudur School.

SEVAI’s Government Aided Primary Tamil Medium Schools at Mettumarudur and Pichandarkoil – Raja School and Natesan School – reopened on 4th June 2026 to a warm and welcoming start for the new academic year.

With support from the Government, students in both schools are receiving free breakfast and lunch, along with textbooks, stationary bags, and school uniforms, ensuring that no child misses learning due to lack of resources. SEVAI complements this by providing well-maintained classrooms and appointing dedicated, promotive teachers.

Inside the classrooms, teaching follows Tamil Nadu State Board’s activity-based approach. Learning in Std 1-5 is built around hands-on activities, play-way methods, and joyful learning rather than rote memorization. Teachers use Tamil as the medium of instruction, supported by songs, storytelling, group work, and low-cost Teaching Learning Materials made from local resources. Children learn numbers through seed counting, Tamil letters through sand writing, and science concepts through observation of their village surroundings.

Assessment is continuous and stress-free, focusing on each child’s progress through tasks, oral work, and portfolios instead of heavy exams. Extra remedial support is given to children who need help in reading Tamil or basic Maths, so every student is prepared with confidence for high school education.

Together, the free meals, learning materials, and child-centered teaching create a strong foundation for rural children at Raja and Natesan Schools, helping them transition smoothly from primary to high school.

Joyful Re-opening at SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary school Petttavaithalai along with two Tamil medium schools 🙋

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Joyful Reopening at SEVAI Shanthi and Tamil Medium Schools*

SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Petttavaithalai, along with two other Tamil medium schools, has reopened after the holidays to a joyful start. Students arrived with bright smiles and fresh energy, welcomed warmly by teachers at the gates. 

The day began with the solemn hoisting of the National Flag, followed by free meals served to all students. Classrooms are now buzzing again as educational activities resume in full swing, marking a cheerful and purposeful beginning to the new term.

*A Sacred Procession of Grace: Utsavar Raja Alangaram Sri Bala Murugar Blesses SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary school*

There’s a quiet magic when tradition walks through the school gates. At *SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Pettavathalai Campus*, that magic arrived with the *Utsavar Raja Alangaram Sri Bala Murugar* from *SEVAI Shanthi Nivasham* – the temple that resides within the school campus itself – carried in a reverent _Veedhi Ula_ to bless every corner of the institution.

*The Utsavar in Raja Alangaram*

The Utsavar Murti of Lord Bala Murugar, adorned in royal _Raja Alangaram_, is not just an idol in procession. He embodies the youthful vigour, wisdom, and protective energy of the *Aarupadai Veedu* – the six sacred abodes of Murugan across Tamil Nadu. When His form is brought out for _Veedhi Ula_, it is believed that the combined grace of Tirupparankundram, Tiruchendur, Palani, Swamimalai, Tiruttani, and Pazhamudircholai travels with Him.

*A Blessing Walk on Mini Chariot*

On days of special significance to Lord Muruga – Krittikai, Thaipusam, Skanda Sashti, and others – the Utsavar is placed on a beautifully adorned *mini chariot on wheels* and taken in a ceremonial walk through the Pettavathalai campus. The rolling chariot turns the school corridor into a moving temple:

- *For the students*: A moment to pause books, fold hands, and receive the blessing for clarity of mind, courage to face challenges, and strength to pursue learning with devotion.

- *For the teachers*: An invocation of Murugan as _Gurudeva_, the divine teacher, seeking patience, insight, and the ability to shape young minds.  

- *For the staff and management*: A prayer for harmony, dedication, and the sustained spirit of service that SEVAI Shanthi Nivasham stands for.

Chants of _“Vel Vel Muruga”_, the fragrance of sambrani, and the rhythmic beat of the drums fill the air as children, teachers, and staff line the path, offering flowers and receiving _vibhooti_ – carrying home not just ash, but a reminder of purpose and protection.

*Why This Matters*

In a fast-paced academic world, the _Veedhi Ula_ roots the school community in something timeless. It connects students to Tamil heritage, to the symbolism of Murugan’s _Vel_ – wisdom piercing ignorance – and to the idea that education and spirituality can walk side by side.

SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School has long balanced academic excellence with cultural grounding. Having *Shanthi Nivasham within the campus* and bringing the *Utsavar Raja Alangaram Sri Bala Murugar* out on Murugan’s sacred days is one more way the school nurtures not just minds, but hearts.

As the mini chariot completes its round and the Utsavar returns to Shanthi Nivasham, the campus feels lighter. The blessings remain – in the quiet focus of a student, the calm patience of a teacher, and the shared sense that this place is looked after by something greater.

_Vel Vel Muruga. May the grace of Aarupadai Murugan guide the SEVAI Shanthi family always._

Haiku Book by Smt.Jaya Vedachalam Released in Pudukai Muthamil Sangam

Smt.Jaya Vedachalam delivers the Presidential Address.

*புதுகை முத்தமிழ் சங்கத்தின் முதலாம் ஆண்டு விழா – ஜெயா வேதாசலத்தின் ஹைக்கூ நூல் வெளியீடு*

மே 31 அன்று, *புதுகை முத்தமிழ் சங்கம்* தனது முதலாம் ஆண்டு விழாவை முன்னிட்டு, சங்கத் தலைவர் திருமதி ஜெயா வேதாசலம் அவர்களின் புதிய _ஹைக்கூ நூல்_ வெளியீட்டு விழாவை சிறப்பாக நடத்தியது. இந்த நிகழ்வில் தமிழ் அறிஞர்கள், கவிஞர்கள், எழுத்தாளர்கள் மற்றும் மதிப்பிற்குரிய பெருமக்கள் கலந்துகொண்டு இலக்கிய சிந்தனைகளைப் பகிர்ந்துகொண்டனர்.

விழாவில் ஆற்றப்பட்ட சிறப்புரைகளில், தமிழ் வெளிப்பாட்டின் நுட்பங்களும், ஹைக்கூ கவிதையின் நேர்தியான கட்டமைப்பும் ஆழமாக ஆராயப்பட்டன. திருமதி ஜெயா வேதாசலம் அவர்களின் தமிழ் இலக்கிய அறிவு பெரிதும் பாராட்டப்பட்டது. மேலும், நூலில் இடம்பெற்ற ஹைக்கூ கவிதைகளின் தெளிவு, உணர்வுப்பூர்வமான ஆழம் மற்றும் கலாச்சார வேர்களுடனான இணைப்பு ஆகியவை சிறப்பாக எடுத்துரைக்கப்பட்டன. ஐந்து-ஏழு-ஐந்து அடி அமைப்பில் தமிழ் உணர்வை அழகாக கடத்தும் ஆற்றலை இவரது படைப்புகள் வெளிப்படுத்துவதாக பேச்சாளர்கள் சுட்டிக்காட்டினர்.

நிகழ்வு அன்பும் கொண்டாட்டமும் நிறைந்த சூழலில் இனிதே நடைபெற்றது. பங்கேற்பாளர்கள் இடையே நட்பார்ந்த கலந்துரையாடல்கள் நிகழ்ந்தன. நிகழ்வின் ஒழுங்கான நடைமுறைக்கு, மருத்துவர் ரம்யா மற்றும் வழக்கறிஞர் திரு. பி. வேதாசலம் ஆகியோர், சங்க நிர்வாகிகளுடன் இணைந்து ஒருங்கிணைப்புப் பணிகளை மேற்கொண்டனர்.

_ஹைக்கூ நூல்_ வெளியீடு, சங்கத்தின் முதலாம் ஆண்டில் ஒரு முக்கிய மைல்கல்லாக அமைந்துள்ளது. தமிழ் இலக்கிய மரபைப் பேணுவதுடன், சமகால கவிதைக் குரல்களை ஊக்குவிக்கும் *புதுகை முத்தமிழ் சங்கத்தின்* உறுதிப்பாட்டை இது உறுதிப்படுத்துகிறது.🌿Govin

*Haiku in Tamil Light: Smt.Jaya Vedachalam's New Book Released*

Haiku in Tamil Light: Smt. Jaya Vedachalam’s New Book Released at Puduhai Muthamil Sangam Anniversary

On 31 May, Puduhai Muthamil Sangam commemorated its First Anniversary with the release of a new _Haiku Book_ by its President, Smt. Jaya Vedachalam. The event drew together Tamil scholars, poets, authors, and distinguished guests for a morning devoted to literary reflection and appreciation.

In a series of thoughtful addresses, speakers explored the nuances of Tamil expression and the refined art of haiku. Smt. Jaya Vedachalam’s deep familiarity with Tamil literature drew wide praise, as did the clarity, emotional depth, and cultural resonance of the haiku featured in the book. Her work demonstrates how the compact 5-7-5 form can carry enduring Tamil sensibility.

The gathering unfolded in a warm and celebratory spirit, with cordial exchanges among participants. The event’s smooth conduct reflected the efforts of Dr. Ramya and Advocate Shri P. Vedachalam, who coordinated arrangements alongside the Sangam’s office bearers.

The release of the _Haiku Book_ marks a significant achievement in the Sangam’s inaugural year, affirming its commitment to nurturing Tamil literary tradition while encouraging contemporary poetic voices.☀️Govin

*Welcoming Hearts with Colourful Charts: Teachers Prepare for Reopening at SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School,Pettavaithalai*

Teachers prepare welcome Charts 

Teachers Ready for Teaching techniques

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As the new academic year draws near, SEVAI Shanthi Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Petttavaithalai, is coming alive with color, creativity, and care. On 4th June 2026, our classrooms will once again echo with the voices of students, and our teachers are making sure that every child feels seen, valued, and excited to return.

Leading this wave of preparation is our Principal, Mrs. Chitra Balasubramanian. Under her guidance, classrooms have transformed into spaces of thoughtful planning and artistic expression. Mrs. Balasubramanian has encouraged the staff to focus not only on readiness, but on creating an atmosphere that nurtures confidence and joy from the very first day.

*More Than Just Charts*

Teachers and assistants are crafting vibrant welcome charts that go far beyond decoration. Each display is a message of encouragement, a burst of color, and a warm embrace for students walking through the school gates. From cheerful greetings in Tamil and English to charts highlighting learning goals, positive affirmations, and fun classroom themes, the staff are personalizing every corner. Alphabet trains for the youngest learners, motivational quotes for the seniors, and subject-specific boards that turn lessons into visual stories reflect the dedication our team brings to every grade.

*A Team Effort, Guided by Vision*

The school management has ensured that the campus is spotless and safe, while teachers pour their creativity into charts and bulletin boards. Support staff assist with arranging materials and setting up spaces. Mrs. Balasubramanian moves through the classrooms, offering ideas and appreciation, making sure the preparations align with the school’s vision of cleanliness, warmth, and educational prosperity.

*A Warm Welcome Awaits*

When students arrive on 4th June, they will be greeted not just by their teachers, but by walls that speak of care, effort, and anticipation. These welcome charts remind every child that they belong, that learning will be joyful, and that the new year holds fresh opportunities.

At SEVAI Shanthi, we believe that a warm welcome sets the tone for a successful year. With Mrs. Chitra Balasubramanian leading the way, our school is ready, our hearts are open, and our students are about to step into a space made just for them.🥉Govin

"SEVAI-DESWOS Empower Women Farmers Through Fish Rearing and Biofloc Training at Amoor Kalanjium centre*

Biofloc fish rearing Unit 

SEVAI, with the support of DESWOS, is actively conducting hands-on training in modern fish farming methods at the Amoor Kalanjium Centre. The programme focuses on two approaches: traditional open pond fish rearing and the advanced Biofloc Technology system.

Through this initiative, SEVAI is training women farmers to take up fish rearing as a sustainable livelihood. Participants learn pond preparation, seed selection, water quality management, feeding practices, and disease prevention for open pond culture. Alongside this, they are introduced to Biofloc Technology, which allows high-density fish farming in small spaces using beneficial microbes to maintain water quality and reduce feed costs.

The training combines classroom sessions with practical demonstrations, enabling women to gain both technical knowledge and confidence. By equipping women farmers with these skills, SEVAI aims to enhance household nutrition, create additional income streams, and promote self-reliance in rural communities.

This effort reflects SEVAI’s commitment to building climate-resilient and women-led aquaculture enterprises at the grassroots level.🌿Govin🌿

*SEVAI:Zomoto- Greeting India Agro Forestry Program: Trichy £Karur Districts*

Watering  Saplings by Women Farmer.

*Program Background*  

SEVAI, in partnership with Zomato’s _Greening India_ initiative, is scaling up agro-forestry across selected blocks of Trichy and Karur districts. In the last year, 325,000 saplings of fruit and timber species were planted with participating farmers. Building on this, the program is now entering its next phase of expansion.  

*Current Phase: 2026 Plantation Drive*  

- *Farmer Selection*: Farmers with a minimum of 1 acre of spare land, access to water, and fencing facilities are being onboarded. Orientation sessions are currently underway to explain management practices and long-term benefits.  

- *Species Mix*: Saplings include Coconut, Lemon, Mango, Guava, Amla, Teak, and Mahogany. The mix provides short-to-medium term fruit income and long-term timber value.  

- *Cost Sharing*: To promote ownership, farmers contribute ₹10 per fruit tree sapling and ₹5 per timber tree sapling.  

- *SEVAI + Zomato Support*: Pit making, planting, and initial fertilizer inputs will be fully managed by SEVAI field teams in coordination with Zomato Greening India.  

*Implementation Timeline*  

Arrangements for pit making are being finalized now. Plantation can begin anytime in June, aligned with the onset of the monsoon to ensure high survival rates.  

*Long-Term Commitment*  

Farmers are encouraged to retain the trees for a minimum of 40 years to maximize both ecological and economic benefits. During the initial years, farmers may undertake intercropping between tree rows to generate additional income while the trees establish.  

*Expected Impact*  

The program aims to diversify farm income, improve soil moisture and microclimate, increase green cover, and create long-term assets for farming households. With continued farmer engagement and technical support, the planted trees will serve as both an environmental and livelihood resource for the next generation. 🌿

*Building Resilient Farms: SEVAI's Integrated Agro-Livelihood program with DESWOS.

Korai grass mats production unit

SEVAI is implementing a two-year, demand-driven livelihood program under the DESWOS-SEVAI project to strengthen income security for 900 smallholder farmers, with a strong focus on women. The initiative builds capacity in ten practical, market-linked agro-enterprises that integrate seamlessly with existing farming systems and require low capital outlay: Korai grass mat weaving for value addition of native wetland fiber; intensive kitchen gardening for year-round nutrition and surplus sales; tree sapling nursery raising to meet local agroforestry demand; vermicompost production for bio-conversion of organic residues; Azolla cultivation as a protein-rich fodder supplement; improved fodder varieties for livestock feed security; scientific poultry management for efficient layer and broiler production; biofloc fish farming for water-efficient aquaculture in limited space; garment production for home-based micro-enterprise; and oyster mushroom cultivation on paddy straw with post-harvest value addition. Training is delivered in hands-on batches of around 30 participants at SEVAI’s Kalanjium Centre in Amoor and at K.N. Palalayam, Pettavaithalai, where trainees master the full production cycle, input sourcing, quality control, and basic market linkages. As of May 2026, 739 women and men farmers have completed the program and many have established their own units with bank credit, integrating these enterprises into crop cultivation, cattle rearing, and vegetable production. The impact includes improved household nutrition, additional cash flow, better school retention for children, and stronger collective action through joint liability groups. Running in parallel, SEVAI’s Agroforestry component supports tree integration with crops and livestock to enhance soil health and farm resilience. With the project running through December 2026, SEVAI provides continued handholding to connect trainees to inputs, markets, and peer networks—converting underutilized farm resources into sustained livelihoods and measurable gains in rural well-being.🥉Govin 🥉

*Growing Skills, Buzzing Livelihoods: Training at SEVAI Kalanjium centre, Amoor*

Bee Keeping process, Honey visibility 

Harvested Mushroom ready for cooking 

Chief Trainer Smt Sarala demonstrates

🥉

At the SEVAI Kalanjium Centre in Amoor, learning is hands-on, practical, and rooted in livelihoods that women can take home and grow. Here, DESWOS is training women farmers in two low-input, high-return activities: beekeeping and oyster mushroom cultivation.

Leading the sessions is Chief Trainer _Smt. Sarala_, supported by her associate staff members. Together, they work directly with Self Help Group women, turning training days into spaces of doing, asking, and building confidence.

In the beekeeping unit, women learn how to handle hives, manage colonies, and harvest honey without harming the bees. They practice setting up boxes, identifying queen cells, and understanding the rhythm of the colony. The aim is simple: add honey and pollination benefits to their farms while creating a steady source of income.

In the mushroom unit, women move through the full cycle of oyster mushroom production — preparing paddy straw substrate, spawning, bagging, and managing fruiting conditions. They cut, mix, pack, and spray themselves, so the skill stays with them. Within 25–30 days, the first harvest is ready, and the centre also trains them to convert mushrooms into soup mixes and cookies, adding value and extending the shelf life.

Under Smt. Sarala’s guidance, the training doesn’t stop at technique. Women leave knowing how to source materials, manage quality, and market their produce. What starts at the Kalanjium Centre spreads to homes and fields across Amoor — bees pollinating crops, mushrooms growing on farm waste, and women earning from skills they now own.

With the support of DESWOS, these allied agro-based livelihood activities at SEVAI Kalanjium, Amoor, are creating lasting pathways to income and self-reliance for women farmers.🌿Govin

*Growing Opportunity:SEVAI- DESWOS and the Rise of Oyster Mushroom Farming in Amoor*

Mushroom byproducts production 

Mushroom production process 

At the SEVAI Kalanjium Centre in Amoor, DESWOS is turning oyster mushroom cultivation into a practical pathway for income and skill-building among women farmers. Through hands-on training, women learn the full cycle of production — from preparing paddy straw substrate to spawning, bagging, incubation, and fruiting — handling each step themselves so they can replicate it at home with minimal investment. Because oyster mushrooms grow on agricultural waste and need little space, the method fits easily into small homesteads. After training, DESWOS supports women to start small production units, guiding them on spawn sourcing, quality control, and harvest timing to ensure a steady supply of fresh mushrooms within 25–30 days. To reduce waste and raise returns, the centre also trains women in processing byproducts such as mushroom soup mixes and mushroom cookies, creating nutritious, shelf-stable products that reach markets fresh mushrooms cannot. Through this training-to-production model, DESWOS at SEVAI Kalanjium Centre is building a low-input, high-return activity for women farmers in Amoor — transforming agricultural waste into food, income, and new skills that stay in the community.,🌿Govin🌿

*From Samplings to Self-reliance: Women Farmers Learn Agro Forestry in Kallai Panchayat*

Agro Forestry Visit by Women Farmers 

Observation of Coconut Saplings care

The Agro Forestry program is a long term Agriculture project with multiple benefits. Growing More Than Crops — Why Hands-On Agroforestry Training is Changing Lives for Women Farmers in Kallai Panchayat*

In Kallai Panchayat, the air under a young neem tree feels different. Cooler. Calmer. That’s where a group of women farmers from the DESWOS-SEVAI Agroforestry program crouched last week, hands in the soil, planting saplings they’ll manage themselves.

This wasn’t a classroom session. It was an exposure visit and hands-on training — the moment agroforestry stops being an idea on paper and becomes a skill in the hands of the people who farm the land.

*From “What” to “How”*  

Agroforestry sounds simple: grow trees alongside crops and livestock. But the details matter. Which trees won’t compete with paddy or millets for water? How far apart should saplings be planted? How do you prune so both tree and crop thrive? How can fodder trees cut feed costs for goats and cows?

During the training, women farmers saw these answers in action. They planted, measured, and pruned. They asked questions, tested spacing, and felt the difference in soil moisture under tree shade. Seeing is one thing. Doing builds confidence.

*Farming for a Hotter, Drier Future*  

Kallai’s summers are unforgiving. Rain is less predictable. For women who manage both the farm and the home, that uncertainty hits hard. Agroforestry offers a buffer. Trees shade crops and soil, hold moisture longer, slow wind erosion, and give the farm more than one source of income. If the main crop fails, fruit, fodder, or timber can still carry the family through.

*More Than One Harvest*  

The training introduced multi-purpose trees — species that give fruit for nutrition and cash, fodder to reduce feed bills, fast-growing wood for fuel, and timber as a long-term saving. The farm stops being a single-season gamble and becomes a layered system that produces through the year.

*Women at the Center*  

Putting women farmers in the lead of this training does two things. First, it recognizes them as farmers, not just helpers. They make the decisions about what to plant and where. Second, it creates peer learning. When one woman tries a new technique and it works, others see it, adapt it, and spread it. That kind of learning moves faster than any training manual.

*Planting for the Next Season — and the Next Generation*  

Agroforestry is slow work. A sapling planted today gives shade in two years, fruit in three, timber in ten. The women leaving the Kallai training understand this. They’re not just growing for this harvest. They’re rebuilding soil, water, and tree cover for their children’s farms.

That’s the real impact of hands-on training. It turns agroforestry from a project concept into knowledge that stays in the village, grows with every season, and pays back in cooler fields, healthier soil, more food, and more income

Under DESWOS-SEVAI, this is how farming changes — one sapling, one woman farmer, one training at a time.🌿Govin🌿

Oor kattu Nizhal: A Child:s expressions

     Photo by Mr. K.Devendran

வெயில் சுடும் பாதை நடுவே

நிழல் தேடி வந்தேன்

ஊர்காட்டின் கோடை நிழலில்

மனம் மலர்ந்து சிரித்தேன்

புத்தகம் தோளில், பாட்டு உதட்டில்

காற்றில் ஆடும் இலை சிரிக்குதே

மரத்தைத் தழுவி, மெல்ல சாய்ந்து

மூச்சை ஆழமாய் நான் இழுக்குதே

வெக்கை மறைந்து, நிழல் வந்தது

காடே என் வீடாய்

வெயில் சுடும் பாதை நடுவே

நிழல் தேடி வந்தேன்

ஊர்காட்டின் கோடை நிழலில்

மனம் மலர்ந்து சிரித்தேன்[Pallavi]

பறவை கூவுது, 

காடு என்னோடு பேசுதே

“பயம் வேண்டாம் கண்ணே, நான் இருக்கேன்”

நிழல் சொல்லி என்னை வாழ்துதே

மரம் வளர்தால் மகிழ்சி வளரும்

நாளைக்கும் இந்த நிழல் கிடைக்கும்

வெயில் சுடும் பாதை நடுவே

நிழல் தேடி வந்தேன்

ஊர்காட்டின் கோடை நிழலில்

மனம் மலர்ந்து சிரித்தேன்🙋 Govin 

*Shade on the Way Home: How Myiawalki Forest Becomes a Child's Cool Refuge and Living Lessons in Forestry*

A solidarity Child walks happily in Hot Summer in Myiawalki Forest Shade

Children in Myiawalki Forest in normal heat of Sun

A bright, curious girl from Thottiyapatty village walks home after her Summer class at SEVAI-AEM, her books tucked under her arm and a smile on her face. The May sun still presses down, hot and unrelenting, but she doesn’t rush. She slips off the dusty path and steps into the cool shade of Myiawalki Forest, where the air softens and the heat loosens its grip.

For her, the forest is not just trees. It is shelter, relief, and a small joy in the middle of a long day. She leans against a broad trunk, listens to the rustle of leaves, and breathes in air that feels cleaner, gentler. “I’m happy here,” she says quietly, as if the forest is listening too. In this pocket of green, the summer loses its edge, and she finds space to rest, to think, to simply be.

Myiawalki Forest shows, in a very human way, why forestry matters. Trees lower the temperature around them, filter the air, hold the soil, and offer refuge to people, animals, and birds alike. In rural places like Thottiyapatty, forests act as living umbrellas during harsh summers, as classrooms without walls, and as quiet guardians of daily life. When a child can find cool shade and calm on her way home from school, the forest is doing its work.

Protecting and growing such forests means protecting that comfort, that breath of cool air, that sense of safety for the next child walking the same path. Forestry is not abstract; it is the shade on a hot day, the clean air in a tired lung, and the happiness of a girl who knows the trees will shelter her.🌿Govin🌿

*First Anniversary of Puduhai Muthamil Sangam; Release of " Niraiveratha Venduthalkal" Honouring Smt Jaya Vedachalam*

Pudukai Muthamil Sangam marks its First Anniversary today, 31 May 2026, in Pudukkottai, with quiet dignity and literary fervor, releasing _Niraiveratha Venduthalkal_, a haiku collection authored by its President, Smt. Jaya Vedachalam. The hall brims with several Tamil scholars, poets, and office bearers of the Sangam, all gathered to celebrate not only a new book but the spirit behind it. There is a palpable sense of occasion as the Sangam unveils a work that speaks in whispers rather than declarations.

_Niraiveratha Venduthalkal_ unfolds in the crisp, contemplative form of haiku, giving shape to wishes that remain unfulfilled yet deeply alive. Smt. Jaya Vedachalam distills longing, hope, and the fragile beauty of incompleteness into images that linger after the last word. The collection bears the imprint of her lifelong devotion to Tamil language, culture, and social service, where poetic sensibility meets grounded wisdom. Each three-line verse feels like a breath held and released, inviting readers to find meaning in what is left unsaid.

The anniversary function is fast becoming a meeting place for literature and lived service. Scholars appreciate the book’s fresh articulation of haiku in Tamil, poets give voice to select pieces that echo through the hall, and office bearers highlight Smt. Jaya Vedachalam’s enduring contributions to the Sangam and to the wider community. Under her leadership, the Sangam nurtures younger voices, safeguards classical values, and keeps Tamil literary spaces open, inclusive, and vibrant.

As the program progresses in Pudukkottai today, the hall resonates with appreciation and affection for “Jaya Amma,” a name that carries both respect and warmth. The release of _Niraiveratha Venduthalkal_ stands as more than a literary milestone; it is a living tribute to a life given to Tamil, to words, and to people.

*புதுகை முத்தமிழ் சங்கத்தின் முதலாம் ஆண்டு விழா: “நிறைவேறாத வேண்டுதல்கள்” வெளியீடு – Smt.ஜெயா வேதாசலம் அவர்களை போற்றும் நாள்*

புதுகை முத்தமிழ் சங்கம், இன்று 31 மே 2026 அன்று புதுக்கோட்டையில், தனது முதலாம் ஆண்டு விழாவை இலக்கிய பெருமையுடன் கொண்டாடுகிறது. சங்கத் தலைவர் செல்வி ஜெயா வேதாசலம் அவர்கள் படைத்த ஹைக்கூ நூலான _நிறைவேறாத வேண்டுதல்கள்_ இந்நாளில் வெளியாகிறது. அரங்கம் முழுதும் தமிழறிஞர்கள், கவிஞர்கள், சங்கப் பொறுப்பாளர்கள் என பலர் திரண்டிருக்க, புதிய நூல் மட்டுமல்ல, அதன் பின்னிருக்கும் படைப்பு உள்ளமும் போற்றப்படுகிறது.

_நிறைவேறாத வேண்டுதல்கள்_ – மூன்று வரி மொழியில், நிறைவுறா ஆசைகளின் அழகை மெல்லிய சித்திரமாய் காட்டுகிறது. ஜெயா அம்மா, தமிழ் மொழி, பண்பாடு, சமூகப்பணி என தன் வாழ்வை அர்பணித்த அனுபவத்தை, கவித்துவ நுட்பமும் நடைமுறை ஞானமும் இணையும் விதமாய் இந்நூலில் பதிவு செய்கிறார். ஒவ்வொரு ஹைக்கூவும் சொல்லப்படாததில் மிஞ்சும் பொருளை வாசகருக்கு விட்டுச் செல்கிறது.

இந்த விழா, இலக்கியமும் சேவையும் ஒன்று கூடும் தருணமாக அமைகிறது. தமிழறிஞர்கள் ஹைக்கூவின் புதிய தமிழ் முகத்தை பாராட்டுகிறார்கள், கவிஞர்கள் தேர்ந்த பாடல்களை வாசிக்கிறார்கள், சங்கப் பொறுப்பாளர்கள் ஜெயா அம்மாவின் பங்களிப்பை எடுத்துரைக்கிறார்கள். அவரது தலைமையில், இளம் குரல்கள் வளர்கின்றன, செம்மையின் மதிப்பு காக்கப்படுகிறது, தமிழ் இலக்கிய வெளி திறந்ததாகவும் உள்ளடக்கியதாகவும் தொடர்கிறது.

புதுக்கோட்டையில் இன்று நிகழும் இந்த விழா, “ஜெயா அம்மா” என்ற அன்பும் மரியாதையும் கலந்த அழைப்பால் நிறைகிறது. _நிறைவேறாத வேண்டுதல்கள்_ வெளியீடு, ஒரு இலக்கிய மைல்கல் மட்டுமல்ல – தமிழுக்கும் மக்களுக்கும் தன் வாழ்வை அர்பணித்த ஒரு படைப்பாளியின் கொண்டாட்டம்.🙏Govin🥉