Women’s Indian Association is a 107-year-old federation headed by social activist Padma Venkataraman. Several women’s associations across Tamilnadu are also allied with it. The institute grandly celebrated World Environment Day with week-long programmes.
- An online session on the topic ‘Gender Responsive Drought Resilience’, by guest speaker Dr.Anushya Jagannathan, a research scientist, who elucidated sustainable practices.
- A flower garden was set up inside WIA’s premises at R.A.Puram, by the President and members.
- Yellow cloth bags were distributed to the public at T.Nagar with the insistence to replace plastic bags.
- An online essay competition was conducted and cash awards were given to Keerthana, Mishra, Esther Monica and Shanmuga Priya.
- 500 people participated in a signature campaign and pledged to not use any kind of plastic. The signatures will be handed over to the Minister for Environment, Tamil Nadu with a request to stop the plastic production.
- A 2 km walkathon was organised highlighting the theme ‘Our Land Our Future’.
- A human chain was formed, at Adyar, to create awareness of plastics and zero landfills.
- A seminar was conducted with the theme ‘The need to protect our land’.
- A seminar was conducted at MGR Home and Hr.Sec School, for 60 teachers and B.Ed teacher trainees. Dr.Sudhakar – Director of CPR Environmental Education Centre explained about the state of our environment and key issues like environmental degradation, depletion of resources etc.
- A waste collection drive was arranged along with ROKA (Residents of Kasturba Nagar Association) to collect e-waste, plastic, paper and clothes. Approximately 360 kg of waste was collected.
On the concluding day (June 8), nearly 104 women participated in the event, where four women who were committed to keeping the land clean and green, were honoured. Dr.Muthukumar – Programme Officer (Department of Environment and Climate Change), was the chief guest. He insisted all to grow plants to improve biodiversity and reduce temperatures.
President Padma Venkataraman honoured the green warriors of Chennai and also insisted that everyone focus on the micro change that everyone can bring in to save the Earth – from saying no to plastics and aiming for zero landfills. WIA can be contacted at 91769 28485, 94442 51013.
