Culture

This month in our newsletter you can see how the local traditions can be revived for the protection of the bio-diversity and social coherence. What we have presented are excerpts from our publication, published as part of 'Green Rameshwaram' and the UNICEF WaSH initiative. They are also part of the panels in the awareness creation exhibition conducted at  various places in the island of Rameshwaram. In our 'Happenings' we have Azolla workshop, workshops on indigenous Varma-Bone setting techniques, Bio-methanation plant training and awareness camps.

It was in the year 1992 that Vivekananda Kendra had the unique blessing of taking Swami Vivekananda all through India, along the same route that Swamiji himself had taken hundred years earlier. It was this historic parikrama that finally led Swamiji to Sri Padaparai (now renowned as Vivekananda Rock) sitting where he had visualised the regeneration of India as a global spiritual force.

One of the most wonderful things about our Motherland is how she has withstood the shock of centuries’ of military and cultural invasions and has still maintained her spiritual wisdom and cultural unity. She has held together in a federal  form, scores of religions, cults, philosophies and cultural traits, leave alone languages, dress hab-its and living customs. Despite all these she has  projected herself as one entity; we may add one without a second.

Chairman VKIC, Dipok Kr Barthakur, delivering the welcome address mentioned that this year is significant for VKIC as it the birth centenary year of Eknathji Ranade, the founding father of Vivekananda Kendra and Vivekananda Rock Memorial. His vision to establish a centre to study the culture of Northeast of India led to the inception of Vivekananda Institute of Culture (VKIC) in 1993.

Local food culture and traditions have evolved over millenniums in tune with the local natural resources as well as the energy-nutrient needs of local communities. Culinary delights have also evolved to stimulate the taste buds differently. Diversity is the spice of life.

This month we show you how the local cattle of Rameshwaram can be nurtured and the local bio-diversity turned into an asset by using the local traditions like feeding the cow. The Rameshwaram cow is a dwarf variety cow and is unique.

The importance of coral reefs for fishing in the Rameshwaram island. If coral reefs disappear then fish populations are affected. If fish populations dwindle then fishing communities are affected. Fishing communities  being an integral part of the socio-ecological fabric of the island the adverse impact on their livelihood shall disrupt the social fabric of the island.

The coral reefs of Rameshwaram are an important part of the sacred geography. They also have a great evolutionary history. They provide a prominent support for the Gulf of Mannar biodiversity. However today they are facing many threats mainly due to the pollution and global warming. We provide a glimpse into some interesting aspects of the Rameshwaram coral reefs. The coral reefs have been there for millions of years. Home to many organisms the marine biodiversity is heavily dependent on the coral reefs and they had also protected the population from the 2004 Tsunami.

The whole world is nothing but a magnificent Puppet Show. So says Kerala’s great poet of satire and originator of famous Ottanthullal. According to him, the director of the cosmic show goes on pulling the threads that make us move our head, hands and feet, that is, dance to his tune. When he pulls out the threads, lo, we fall down dead.