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Seeding Change: USS Green Guardians Transform Alagarkovil Forest in Our Silver Jubilee Celebration with 25,000 Seed Balls

In the heart of the enchanting Alagarkovil Hills, a remarkable event unfolded on September 26, 2023. Sri Aurobindo Mira Group of Educational Institutions, which encompasses Sri Aurobindo Mira Mat.Hr.Sec.School, Sri Aurobindo Mira Universal School, Aurobana Indian School and Sri Aurobindo Mira College of Education, celebrated World Environmental Health Day with a powerful and transformative initiative.

Under the patronage of Chairman Dr. C. Chandran and the guidance of Managing Director M.C. Abilash, the event welcomed esteemed guests, including Chief Guest M. Ramaswamy, Deputy Commissioner, and Special Guest Mr. V.Chandrasekar, DSP of Oomachikulam. Also in attendance were prominent figures such as Mr. C. Rajakumar, DLO, Dr. Navneeth Krishnan, DLO, and Mr. A. Rajkumar, Coordinator of the Indian Red Cross Society, Madurai.

The objective was clear: to restore the natural glory of the Alagarkovil Hills and create a sustainable habitat. This sacred land, known as the 6th abode of Lord Muruga, houses a diverse range of wildlife, including the Indian Gaur, in addition to the Bonnet Monkey breed that has gained notoriety for foraging near human pilgrims.

Beneath the esteemed banner of Sri Aurobindo Mira Group of Educational Institutions, in harmonious partnership with the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department of Tamil Nadu, bolstered by the unwavering support of Indian Red Cross, NSS, NCC, Scouts & Guides, a cohort of ardent students hailing from SAMMAT , UNIVERSAL, AIS, and SAMCE converged with a resolute purpose. Their shared mission was to disseminate an impressive quantity of 25,000 seed balls, each imbued with the promise of nurturing an exquisite array of fruits: Papaya, Chikoo, Seetha Fruit (Sugar Apple), Fig, Almond, Guava, Pomegranate, Watermelon, Cucumber, and Jamun Fruit (Naval Fruit).

This monumental endeavor, christened "SAMITES," "SAMUNES," "AUROBANITIES," and "SAMTRANS," bore witness to the relentless dedication of these students. For an entire week, they painstakingly crafted these seed balls, driven by an unwavering commitment to their noble cause. Notably, this symbolic number of 25,000 seeds sown serves as a profound indication of our group's celebration of its silver jubilee year, marking a quarter-century of educational excellence and environmental stewardship.

The students' commitment extended beyond seed dispersal. They took on the responsibility of rejuvenating the area, embarking on a rigorous clean-up operation. In the process, they removed nearly 2 tonnes of plastic waste that had tarnished the natural beauty of the region. Their dedication and achievement earned praise from the press and the community at large.

The students, in addition to their environmental efforts, experienced the unique charm of the Alagarkovil Hills. Their actions not only contributed to the revival of the local food chain but also played a pivotal role in the preservation of the rich biodiversity within the Alagkovil belt. Among the many beneficiaries of this restoration effort stands the majestic Indian Gaur, an awe-inspiring creature native to this region, which now stands to benefit from the reestablished ecological balance, alongside numerous other housed species in this sanctuary of nature.

The inspiration behind this initiative began with a simple yet profound question posed by an alumni after her visit to the area. She wondered why the monkeys in this forest, originally self-sufficient, had become reliant on human pilgrims for their sustenance. The project, strategically timed during the rainy season, aimed to expedite seed growth and strengthen the root systems, facilitating nature's return to its harmonious course. Furthermore, the students imbibed valuable lessons on waste management and recycling, understanding the importance of responsible consumption and disposal.

The Indian Red Cross Society commended the students for their dedication, while their impressive efforts received appreciation from pilgrims, locals, shopkeepers, temple authorities, and USS District officials. These accolades reflect the far-reaching influence of their actions. After completing their tasks, the young environmentalists sought divine blessings at the sacred shrine, immersing themselves in the rich history and mythology of the region. They explored epigraphy and marveled at the architectural wonders of the temple.

This initiative not only reflects Sri Aurobindo Mira Group of Educational Institutions' commitment to environmental stewardship but also showcases the power of collective action and the impact young minds can have on their surroundings. It serves as a reminder that the path to change begins with the seeds we plant today.

As we reflect on this extraordinary endeavor, let us join hands in preserving our environment and building a brighter, greener future for all living beings. Sri Aurobindo Mira Group remains steadfast in its mission to nurture responsible citizens and foster environmental consciousness.

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