Kerala   

United for the cause of nature

People can get together for different reasons as they did at Vengeri, a suburb of Kozhikode, on Sunday. The objective of the gathering was the protection and conservation of a five-acre freshwater body in the centre of the village and which would in future be a precious drinking water source. And the presence of Medha Patkar, Narmada Bachao Andolan leader; and Sugathakumari, poet and environmentalist, on the same stage at the programme organised by Greeworld Village and Research Centre and Nanma was encouragement enough for the local people .

They have decided to go the whole hog, and ensure that the water body known as `neerthadakam' in local parlance would not be reclaimed at any cost.

As the sun set, and dusk fell a hundred candles flickered in solidarity with the cause of environment protection. While Ms. Patkar led the candle-lit procession, Ms. Sugathakumari administered an oath to the young and old present in large numbers at the venue.

MALEEHA RAGHAVIAH

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