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25 years of Cauvery Calling, 1st Quarter Newsletter 2023
17 July, 2023 4:01 PM
March 2023 marks the first anniversary of the global #SaveSoil Movement, which Sadhguru launched last year. But did you know that Isha’s efforts to save soil began 25 years ago? Since 1998, Isha volunteers have enabled the plantation of 88.5 million trees and assisted 172,600 farmers in transitioning to tree-based farming, a model that keeps soil organically rich and healthy. This quarter, the Cauvery Calling team in Tamil Nadu achieved a significant milestone - it enabled the planting of one crore saplings in one year all over Tamil Nadu. It’s no surprise, given that the Cauvery Calling Movement has become an enduring symbol of community inspiration for everyone from celebrities to ordinary citizens, and businessmen to policemen. Read on to learn what has kept Cauvery Calling buzzing in the first quarter of 2023.
Cauvery Calling Hosts Seminar on Tree-Based Agriculture in Chikmagalur, Karnataka
Events
Over 100 enthusiastic farmers in Karnataka attended a seminar on incorporating #treebasedagriculture and regenerative farming in coffee estates. Three progressive farmers and a renowned scientist shared valuable insights as resource leaders for the program.
Want to See Joyful Plants? Come to the Cauvery Calling Nursery in Cuddalore
Field Stories
Ever seen plants that seem to be bursting with joy? If you haven’t, you must visit the Cauvery Calling Nursery in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the world’s largest single-site nurseries in terms of annual production capacity, capable of producing a mindblowing 8.5 million saplings comprising 54 species of trees. What the Cauvery Calling Movement is doing for farmers in the Cauvery River basin spanning Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the Cuddalore Nursery is echoing locally in this small region: crafting a quiet revolution on multiple levels. Over 170 people work here; 160 of them are local rural women.17 of these women have blossomed into community leaders, supervising smaller groups. It has not only unlocked their innate potential, it has also transformed the lives of their families.
Over 1,000 Farmers in Pollachi Trained on Generating Multiple Incomes from Coconut Cultivation through Inter-Cropping
Events
On 8 January 2023, we conducted a mega program in Pollachi to train 1,050 farmers on how to generate 15 sources of income from coconut cultivation. Experts discussed techniques to inter-crop coconut with high-value crops such as pepper and timber trees to increase farmer income, improve coconut yield by raising soil fertility and methods to add value to coconut-related products. The participants were greatly inspired and were eager to try several of the ideas presented. The program concluded on a high note, with full involvement from the participants, and good coverage in news media.
Mysore Police Retrieve Lost Phone and Express Support for Cauvery Calling Project
Field Stories
Kudos to #MysorePolice for tracking and retrieving a phone that a Nadi Veera lost in a rickshaw. With just the driver's name, they located the rickshaw in a matter of few hours and promptly called us to collect it. Their dedication to serving citizens is exemplary! When they found that we were #CauveryCalling volunteers, they were delighted and said that this project was very close to their hearts since it brings wellbeing to farmers and all life forms on the planet. They wished this project all the success.
Joyous Thaipusam Celebration at Cuddalore Nursery
Field Stories
A joyous Thaipusam celebration marked the third anniversary of Cuddalore Nursery, with 130 sevadhars participating in the festivities. The main event was a procession within the nursery area, with sevadhars who had helped to plant and sprout seedlings (mulaipaari) carrying them on their heads and offering the mulaipaari to Devi, the main deity of Cuddalore Nursery. In addition to the procession, there were games with prizes organized by the local volunteers, and food was prepared and served by the sevadhars who funded the entire event themselves. Overall, the celebration was a demonstration of the sevadhars' devotion and heartfelt offerings to Devi.
Actor Rajesh Kumar is Now a Farmer!
Human Impact Stories
In this interview, actor Rajesh Kumar (widely popular for playing the television character Rosesh) talks about his efforts for the Save Soil movement and shares his experience of practicing regenerative farming incorporating tree-based agriculture. Rajeshji has been deeply involved with the Save Soil movement since the Rally for Rivers, and considers it an inspiration and guiding force on his journey from a successful actor to a passionate farmer.
Cauvery Calling Successfully Achieves Target of Planting 1 Crore Saplings in Tamil Nadu
Field Stories
A 10-Year-Old Boy's Gift to Cauvery
Human Impact Stories
Ghanaian Musician and Influencer Supports Cauvery Calling Initiative
Human Impact Stories