Arulagam

Arulagam Voice for the voiceless | Wildlife Conservation | Tribal Welfare | Nursery & Afforestation

An open letter to Actor Vikram from Arulagam Secretary Bharathidasan Subbiah on keeping Lar Gibbon as a pet.Actor Vikram...
18/08/2026

An open letter to Actor Vikram from Arulagam Secretary Bharathidasan Subbiah on keeping Lar Gibbon as a pet.

Actor Vikram had recently posted a video (now deleted) with his pet Lar Gibbon which is an endangered species found in South East Asia.

The letter highlights why keeping such wild animals as pet is problematic.

📝 Read full letter on our website -https://www.arulagam.org/2026/08/17/an-open-letter-to-actor-vikram-lar-gibbon-as-pet/

India’s 80th Independence Day and the 25th anniversary of the Arulagam Nature Conservation Organisation, a wetland resto...
17/08/2026

India’s 80th Independence Day and the 25th anniversary of the Arulagam Nature Conservation Organisation, a wetland restoration initiative was formally began at Hannikallu, Wellington in the Nilgiris. 50 volunteers from State Street Foundation joined hands with the Arulagam team to execute early-stage invasive clearance and planting. 🇮🇳🌿

Led by Arulagam in collaboration with Upstream Ecology Foundation, the initiative was formally inaugurated under the aspiration of the Madras Regimental Centre (MRC), Wellington, and supported by corporate volunteers from the State Street Foundation.

The initiative aims to address critical ecological degradation by eradicating invasive plant species choking a critical wetland habitat, and reintroducing native Nilgiris flora to the space.

In addition to widespread invasives, Upstream Ecology Foundation recorded lesser-known invasives species such as Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle, native to Western Asia) and Alternanthera philoxeroides (Alligator W**d, native to South America) that pose emerging threats to the region’s delicate hydrology.

Upstream Ecology Foundation’s aim with this initiative is to highlight such overlooked plant invasions before they irreparably displace indigenous biodiversity.

The restoration was launched by Brigadier Krishnendu Das, commandant of the Madras Regimental Centre (MRC), who planted an Elaeocarpus variablis sapling, alongside Mrs. Tanushree Das, Senior director AWWA, Wellington Station who planted kurinji. Subedar Major K. Deepak, Sena Medal of the MRC warmly greeted the gathering. Following the ceremonial launch,

S. Bharathidasan, Secretary, Arulagam Nature Conservation Organisation said that this restoration drive is initiated as part of Arulagam's 25th anniversary celebrations, this project aims to systematically rehabilitate natural habitats. By strengthening the local ecological balance, we are ensuring a sustainable environment for native plant and animal species to thrive.

Vasanth Bosco, Upstream Ecology Foundation displayed the invasive species and explained about them. He further said that “Wetlands are delicate, dynamic ecosystems. Restoring them with site-appropriate native grasses and shrubs enhances natural carbon sequestration and long-term climate resilience."

Mr. Sudarsan, State Street Foundation said that "the initiative will soon expand to serve as an interactive learning space for students and helping the public appreciate the critical role of native flora plays in safeguarding regional biodiversity.

The event was coordinated by Ms. R. Sundari, Ms. R.Nilitha, and Ms. Revathi Rani of Arulagam.

Upstream Ecology

TRIFED Regional Manager Visits Coimbatore Van Dhan Vikas Kendra Tamarind Processing Unit - 31.07.2026 The Van Dhan Vikas...
07/08/2026

TRIFED Regional Manager Visits Coimbatore Van Dhan Vikas Kendra Tamarind Processing Unit - 31.07.2026

The Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) is a flagship livelihood initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, implemented through the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED). The programme aims to enhance the income of tribal communities by promoting the sustainable collection, value addition, and marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP), ensuring better prices and improved livelihoods.

Mr. S.P. Sudalai, Regional Manager, TRIFED, visited the Coimbatore Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) tamarind processing unit located at Thuvaipathy Tribal Village near Anaikatti. He was accompanied by Ms. Krithika and Mr. Jayapal, Commercial Executives from TRIFED, who participated in the monitoring visit.

During the visit, Mr. Sudalai appreciated the efforts of the VDVK value addition group and reviewed the entire procurement and processing system in detail. Mr. Amirthalingam, Treasurer of Arulagam, explained that the Tribal Welfare Department had supported the project by providing machinery worth ₹15 lakh and renovating the processing building at a cost of ₹6 lakh. He further informed the team that Arulagam had contributed approximately ₹4.5 lakh towards business operations and the procurement of raw materials.

Mr. John, Project Manager, explained the community-based model adopted by the VDVK. He highlighted that tribal members collect tamarind sustainably from the forest and that every stage of the value chain—including transportation, logistics, loading, unloading, and processing—is carried out by tribal households. He added that the premium price paid for tamarind has significantly improved the livelihoods of the participating families, and the tribal members expressed their satisfaction with the initiative.

The women workers at the processing unit demonstrated each stage of the tamarind value addition process and shared their experiences with the visiting officials. Mr. Sudalai showed keen interest in interacting with the workers and understanding the positive impact of the programme on their livelihoods.

During the review, Mr. Sudalai also explained the methodology for fixing the selling price of the processed tamarind using a live cost calculation. Based on the analysis, he recommended a selling price of ₹190 per kilogram. He further instructed Mr. Jayapal to initiate the empanelment process for the product and facilitate procurement orders so that the ready stock could be marketed through TRIFED.

Trifed

The Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) initiative in Coimbatore is empowering tribal communities to increase their incomes by ...
28/06/2026

The Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) initiative in Coimbatore is empowering tribal communities to increase their incomes by producing value-added tamarind products while promoting sustainable forest conservation, with Arulagam playing a key role in supporting the initiative. ✨

A significant milestone in tribal livelihood development was achieved in Coimbatore as the first batch of value-added tamarind products processed by tribal communities under the Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) programme was presented to Thiru. Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar, I.A.S, district Collector, Coimbatore. ✨

🪴 The Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) in Coimbatore functions under the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY), a flagship programme of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

🪴The initiative is implemented through the Directorate of Tribal Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu, with the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) serving as the national nodal agency.

🪴 Arulagam provides working capital, supports tamarind procurement and processing, pays wages to tribal workers, and mentors communities in sustainable harvesting and biodiversity conservation.

🪴 584 tribal members collect and market Minor Forest Produce under the VDVK programme.

🪴 A tamarind processing unit at Thuvayapathi Village converts raw tamarind into value-added products and provides employment to six tribal women.

🪴 S. Bharathidasan (Secretary) and Amirthalingam (Treasurer) of Arulagam, along with VDVK team members John and Shakti, presented the first processed tamarind products to Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar, IAS.

District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar appreciated the initiative and recommended nutritional labeling, quality certification, and improved consumer-friendly packaging.

🪴 District Forest Officer Venkatesh Prabhu, IFS praised Arulagam's conservation-livelihood model and assured support to expand it to other forest fringe villages.

🪴 S. Bharathidasan emphasized sustainable harvesting methods that protect wildlife, conserve tamarind trees, and secure long-term livelihoods for tribal communities.

🪴 WWF Landscape Coordinator Bhoominathan commended the initiative, while K. Syed pledged to support the planting of 1,000 tamarind saplings in forest fringe villages.

As the programme expands, it has the potential to create stronger market linkages for forest produce and establish a sustainable livelihood model for tribal communities across the region.

Recently students from Gandhigram University (Msc Zoology) visited Arulagam Head office 🪴🌏 Bharathidasan Subbiah
21/06/2026

Recently students from Gandhigram University (Msc Zoology) visited Arulagam Head office 🪴🌏

Bharathidasan Subbiah

Vulture Conservation Awareness Exhibition at a Temple Festival🌿✨ Masi Kariyabanta Ayyan Temple Festival was successfully...
20/06/2026

Vulture Conservation Awareness Exhibition at a Temple Festival🌿✨

Masi Kariyabanta Ayyan Temple Festival was successfully held from 07.06.2026 to 09.06.2026. Approximately 4,000 people from Karnataka, Erode, the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Chennai, and several other regions participated in the festival.

As part of the event, Arulagam organised a Vulture Conservation Awareness Exhibition. Around 800 people visited our exhibition stall, and nearly 40 of them engaged in in-depth discussions to learn more about vulture conservation.

Visitors were provided with detailed information about vultures, their ecological importance, the threats they face, and the factors contributing to their decline.

Mr. Sushanth, a bird enthusiast from Kerala, also visited the exhibition and shared his appreciation for the initiative.

In addition, Mr. Santosh, Mr. Sharma, and Mrs. Selvi Revathi provided practical demonstrations on natural veterinary remedies for livestock and explained their applications to visitors.

Many visitors expressed interest in having similar awareness programmes conducted in their own villages. One such visitor, Mr. Ganesh, a farmer from the Sathyamangalam region, shared his perspective:

“I also rear cattle and horses. I have heard about certain medicines that are prohibited for use in livestock. While they may not cause noticeable harm to the animals themselves, they can pose a serious threat to vultures.”

Some members of the public initially assumed that the exhibition was a medical camp. We clarified that it was an awareness exhibition focused on the conservation of endangered vultures and not a medical camp. We also explained that continuous awareness activities are being carried out in regions where vultures are found.

Key Messages Shared on the Importance of Vultures

• Vultures help keep the environment clean by feeding on animal carcasses.

• They play a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness of forests and surrounding landscapes.

• They act as nature’s sanitation workers, helping to prevent the spread of diseases.

• They are essential for maintaining ecological balance.

Awareness pamphlets on vulture conservation were distributed to all visitors who attended the exhibition.

The event raised public awareness about vulture conservation and highlighted the need for conducting similar outreach programmes in more villages in the future.

Saving Asia's Vultures from Extinction - SAVE Bharathidasan Subbiah



From a sight that caught the eye to a photograph, a newspaper report, and a public interest litigation... to protect sle...
17/06/2026

From a sight that caught the eye to a photograph, a newspaper report, and a public interest litigation... to protect slender loris.

Arulagam Secretary Bharathidasan Subbiah writes -
On the way to my hometown, I spotted a 'Slender Loris' (தேவாங்கு) that had tragically died after getting electrocuted by bare overhead wires. Heartbroken by the sight, I took a picture and set it as my phone wallpaper to raise awareness. I also posted a status online with a heavy heart: "The deaths of these tiny creatures, crushed on roads or electrocuted on wires, completely slip past our attention."

Little did I know that a single post would trigger such a massive wave of change!

The First Spark: Spotting my post, Mr. Aravind from the media fraternity contacted me. I shared further insights about the issue with him.
The Media Highlight: Following that, Mrs. Geetha, Ms. Leyah Susanna Thomas from The Hindu reached out to gather details. I explained the grave dangers these primates face from open electric wires. The very next day, it was published as a news report!

The Legal Battle: Reading the news, Madurai-based advocate Mr. Pushpavanam called me and asked, "What measures needs to be taken to protect these innocent beings?" Taking note of the points, he filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) at the Madurai Bench of the Madurai High Court.

Hearing the plea, the Honorable Division Bench of the High Court, comprising Justices N. Sathish Kumar and M. Jothiraman, has passed a phenomenal order directing authorities to replace all bare overhead high-tension wires passing around and through the Kadavur Slender Loris Sanctuary with insulated cables!

Double the Joy: This year marks the 25th Silver Jubilee Anniversary of our organization, 'Arulagam'. The Slender Loris happens to be the face of our official emblem (Logo). For the very creature that represents us, this collective effort turning into a monumental court order is nothing less than Nature's finest gift to our Silver Jubilee year!

My heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Aravind, who reached out unexpectedly, Mrs. Geetha, Ms. Leyah Susanna Thomas from The Hindu, and Advocate Mr. Pushpavanam for making this happen!

Sharing the news link below 👇

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/slender-loris-electrocuted-on-power-line-near-dindigul/article70902245.ece

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/plea-to-replace-bare-overhead-wires-passing-through-kadavur-slender-loris-sanctuary/article71105996.ece

கண்ணில் பட்ட காட்சி- புகைப்படம்- பத்திரிக்கைச் செய்தி- ஒரு பொதுநல வழக்கு... தேவாங்குகளைக் காக்க 🐒
எங்கள் ஊருக்குச் செல்லும் வழியில், மின்கம்பியில் மாட்டி பரிதாபமாக உயிரிழந்திருந்த ஒரு 'தேவாங்கு' (Slender Loris) என் கண்ணில் பட்டது. மனதை உலுக்கிய அந்த காட்சியைப் படம் பிடித்து, விழிப்புணர்வுக்காக எனது அலைபேசி முகப்புப் படமாக (Wallpaper) வைத்தேன். "மின்கம்பிகளிலும், சாலைகளிலும் அடிபட்டுச் சாகும் இந்தச் சிறிய உயிரினங்களின் மரணங்கள் நம் கண்ணுக்குத் தெரிவதே இல்லை" என்று ஆதங்கத்தோடு ஒரு பதிவும் போட்டிருந்தேன்.
நான் போட்ட அந்த ஒரு பதிவு, இப்படி வடிவெடுக்கும் என அப்போது நான் நினைக்கவில்லை!
• முதல் புள்ளி: என் பதிவைப் பார்த்துவிட்டு பத்திரிக்கைத் துறையைச் சேர்ந்த அரவிந்து அவர்கள் என்னைத் தொடர்புகொண்டார். அவரிடம் இதுகுறித்த கூடுதல் விவரங்களைப் பகிர்ந்தேன்.

• அதன் தொடர்ச்சியாக, தி இந்து (The Hindu) நாளிதழில் இருந்து திருமதி. கீதா அவர்களும் லியா சுசானா தாமசு அவர்களும் அழைத்து விவரங்களைக் கேட்டறிந்தனர். தேவாங்குகள் எதிர்கொள்ளும் ஆபத்துகள் குறித்து அவரிடம் எடுத்துக் கூறினேன். மறுநாளே அது செய்தியாகவும் வெளியானது!
• வாசிக்க- https://www.arulagam.org/new/339-slender-loris-death-due-to-electrocution-arulagam-secretary-bharathidasan-spoke-to-the-hindu
• ( https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/slender-loris-electrocuted-on-power-line-near-dindigul/article70902245.ece)

• அந்தச் செய்தியைப் படித்துவிட்டு மதுரையச் சேர்ந்த வழக்கறிஞர் புஷ்பவனம் அவர்கள் என்னை அழைத்தார். "இந்த உயிரினங்களைக் காக்க என்னவெல்லாம் செய்ய வேண்டும்?" என்று கேட்டார். குறிப்பெடுத்துக கொண்டு, அவர் மதுரை உயர்நீதிமன்றக் கிளையில் ஒரு பொதுநல வழக்கைத் (PIL) தாக்கல் செய்தார்.

வழக்கை விசாரித்த உயர் நீதிமன்றத்தின் மதுரைக் கிளை நீதியரசர்கள் மாண்புமிகு சதீசு குமார், மாண்புமிகி ஜோதிராமன் அமர்வு கடவூர் தேவாங்கு சரணாலயத்தைச் சுற்றிலும், அதன் குறுக்கிலும் நெடுக்கிலும் செல்லும் அனைத்து உயர்மின் அழுத்தக் கம்பிகளையும் "கவசமிடப்பட்ட மின்வழிகளாக" (Insulated cables) மாற்றியமைக்க அதிரடி உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளது!
எதிர்பாராமல் உதவிய நண்பர் ஆனந்த், தி இந்து கீதா மேடம் மற்றும் வழக்கறிஞர் புஷ்பவனம் ஆகியோருக்கு என் மனமார்ந்த நன்றிகள்!

இந்த ஆண்டு எங்களது 'அருளகம்' அமைப்பின் 25-ஆம் ஆண்டு வெள்ளிவிழா (Silver Jubilee Year). எங்கள் அருளகத்தின் இலச்சினையாக (Logo) வீற்றிருக்கும் இந்தத் தேவாங்கினத்திற்காக, கூட்டு முயற்சியால் இப்படி ஒரு நல்லதொரு முன்னெடுப்பு உருவாகி, நீதிமன்ற உத்தரவாக மாறியிருப்பது இந்த வெள்ளிவிழா ஆண்டிற்கு இயற்கை தந்த ஆகச்சிறந்த பரிசாகும்!

On the occasion of World Environment Day, a tree planting programme was organised by the Forest Department in Hallimoyar...
11/06/2026

On the occasion of World Environment Day, a tree planting programme was organised by the Forest Department in Hallimoyar village of Thengumarahada Panchayat, which falls under the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.

Mr. Melkis Joseph, Joint Secretary of Arulagam, and Mr. Namasivayam participated in the programme as special guests. Students and teachers of the Hallimoyar Tribal Residential School, along with Forest Department staff, participated in the event.

The programme highlighted the need to protect the environment, promote the sustainable use of natural resources, and recognise the vital role that vultures play in maintaining ecological balance.
In addition, awareness sessions were conducted for the public on health, the conservation of natural resources, and the importance of vultures.

Saving Asia's Vultures from Extinction - SAVE Bharathidasan Subbiah Kadal Osai FM 90.4 CR

A Glorious Beginning on World Environment Day! 🌱✨On this World Environment Day, we celebrated the launch of Arulagam Poo...
06/06/2026

A Glorious Beginning on World Environment Day! 🌱✨

On this World Environment Day, we celebrated the launch of Arulagam Poonthalir Nursery with a sapling planting ceremony at our new campus.
It was a moment filled with purpose, pride, and hope.This day also marks a meaningful milestone in our conservation journey. We planted a sapling of Hildegardia populifolia (Malapurasu), one of India's rarest tree species, currently on the verge of extinction.

Our Secretary, Mr. S. Bharathidasan, along with our dedicated nursery staff, came together to mark this special occasion.

🌟 The highlight of the day - young Jithesh stepped forward with enthusiasm and planted a sapling himself. In that small act, we saw the greatest promise of all: a greener world being passed into the hands of the next generation.

At Arulagam Poonthalir Nursery, we are committed to cultivating rare and endangered plant species, and contributing to the protection of India's precious biodiversity - one sapling at a time.

🌍 Let us protect the Earth. Let us grow the green.

உலக சுற்றுச்சூழல் தினத்தில் (World Environment Day) ஓர் உன்னதத் தொடக்கம்! 🌱✨

அழிவின் விளிம்பிலுள்ள, இந்தியாவின் மிக அரிய தாவர இனமான Hildegardia populifolia (மலப்புரசு) மரக்கன்றை நட்டு, அரிய உயிரினங்களைக் காக்கும் நமது பயணத்தில் இன்று ஒரு புதிய மைல்கல்லை எட்டியுள்ளோம்!

இன்று உலக சுற்றுச்சூழல் தினத்தை முன்னிட்டு, புதிதாகத் தொடங்கப்பட்டுள்ள எங்களது "அருளகம் பூந்தளிர் நாற்றுப்பண்ணை" வளாகத்தில் மரக்கன்று நடும் நிகழ்வு மிகச் சிறப்பாக நடைபெற்றது.

இந்நிகழ்வில் அருளகத்தின் செயலர் திரு. சு.பாரதிதாசன் அவர்கள் மற்றும் நாற்றுப்பண்ணை பணியாளர்கள் கலந்துகொண்டு சிறப்பித்தனர்.
• நாளைய தலைமுறையின் குரல்: இந்த நிகழ்வின் மிக முக்கிய முத்தாய்ப்பாக, இளவயது ஜித்தேசு ஆர்வமுடன் கலந்துகொண்டு மரக்கன்றை நட்டார். பசுமை மாறா உலகை அடுத்த தலைமுறைக்குக் கடத்துவதற்கான நம்பிக்கையாக இவரது பங்களிப்பு அமைந்தது.

'அருளகம் பூந்தளிர் நாற்றுப்பண்ணை' இனிவரும் நாட்களிலும் இது போன்ற அரிய பல தாவர இனங்களை வளர்த்தெடுத்து, இயற்கையைக் காக்கும் பணியில் தொடர்ந்து தீவிரமாக ஈடுபடும்.

பூமியைக் காப்போம்; பசுமை வளர்ப்போம்! 🌍💚

This World Environment Day let's act today for a better tomorrow.Happy World Environment Day from Team Arulagam! 🌿      ...
05/06/2026

This World Environment Day let's act today for a better tomorrow.

Happy World Environment Day from Team Arulagam! 🌿

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4/347, 60 Feet Main Road, NGGO Colony Post, Asokapuram
Coimbatore
641022

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