we_the_leaders

We The Leaders Annamalai

Several years ago, my environmental journey began in the most unexpected and beautiful way - in the gardens of Viswadeepthi School in Pollachi, Tamil Nadu. In the late 70s and early 80s, we planted small saplings across the school grounds, never fully realizing the impact those simple acts would have.

Today, those tiny saplings have grown into magnificent trees - tall, strong, and generous. What started as a childhood activity has become a living legacy. Each tree stands as a reminder that even the smallest actions, taken with care, can grow into something meaningful over time.

Those early experiences shaped my lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship. And every time I see those trees, I’m reminded that sustainability is not just a practice - it is a journey that begins with a single seed.

During my years in the National Service Scheme (NSS), this passion grew even stronger. We planted trees, cleaned public spaces, organized Environment Day programs, and learned the fundamentals of Limnology through hands‑on lab work during my high school and undergraduate studies in Pollachi.

Then that interest took me to Master's degree in Environment Science at PSG (We The Leader Annamalai is an Alumni of the same PSG group Institutions)  

Coimbatore Water & Air  Analysis, Environmental Cleaning & Low Cost effluent treatment

and M.Phil. degree at Bharathiar University, Tamil Nadu. 

Blood Donation and Planted trees at Bharathiar University

After completing my undergraduate and graduate studies, I got admission to the PhD program in Environmental Science at the University of Maryland, USA. My research focused on the revival of the Chesapeake Bay, with a concentration in Environmental Toxicology. This work contributed to the Bay’s long‑term restoration efforts and deepened my understanding of ecosystem health and pollution impacts.

During the same period, I pursued a Master’s degree in Computer Science at the University of Maryland, where I developed a universally applicable pollution‑prediction model, a bridge between environmental science and computational intelligence.

Today, through EnviroApps, we connect world‑class environmental scientists to foster global research collaborations. Working alongside these scientists, research groups, and environmental foundations, we continue to promote impactful environmental research and support projects that protect and restore ecosystems worldwide.

Having completed meaningful environmental projects in both India and the USA, my commitment to creating a healthy environment for all, current and future inhabitants of our Mother Earth, has only grown stronger. I always felt a deep desire to give back to my roots in Pollachi. With the support of dedicated and selfless local volunteers, we successfully revived the Pollachi Mariamman Temple Pond. Seeing the community come together and witnessing the pond return to life was one of the most fulfilling moments of my environmental journey. Along with this we are also involved in greening the area by planting several useful trees, creating forests, getting vans for ambulance and food supply  for eradicating Hunger & Poverty in our region. 

Pollachi Water Bodies Restoration:

Anamalai Aalamviluthu Volunteers:

Target Zer0 volunteers:

Sri Ramajayam Trust Volunteers:

HASF - Restoring & Protecting our Shorelines:

We are also involved in Regenerative Agriculture in the Pollachi Area - EAFARMS - (Converting monoculture Agri land into Regenerative Agriculture Ecosystem working with Nature in Pollachi area at the foothills of Biosphere Reserve - the great Western Ghats)

and promote that type of Agriculture and Environmental positive activities all over the World. Currently working on a project related to all  these topics - TON in USA.

I also created a character mascot called 

EcoMak 

EcoMak - Environmental Awareness Videos

- to provide latest Environmental Research, Positives, Awareness so it reaches to everyone including young people.

In this capacity wrote this blog in 2017 on how Tamil Nadu environment could be made better. Now the dream is getting closer to reality through:

We The Leaders (I have been in this group, before the recent call for),  Annamalai’s Sustainability Month in Tamil Nadu. 

August has taken on a new meaning in Tamil Nadu this year. WTL leader Annamalai has declared the entire month as a dedicated period for environmental action, urging communities, youth groups, and local organizations to participate in sustainability initiatives across the state. His call focuses on one message: Tamil Nadu’s environmental future depends on collective responsibility.

Why August Matters: A Month for Sustainability

Tamil Nadu faces rising environmental pressures - shrinking green cover, plastic pollution, water scarcity, and urban waste accumulation. Declaring August as a sustainability month creates a structured window for:

Community‑driven clean‑ups | Tree‑planting drives | Awareness campaigns

Youth participation | Rural and urban environmental restoration

This aligns with global trends where regions dedicate specific months to environmental stewardship.

Tree‑Planting Drives Across Tamil Nadu

One of the most visible initiatives this August is the statewide tree‑planting campaign. Volunteers, students, and environmental groups have planted saplings in:

School campuses | Village commons | Roadside avenues | Riverbanks | Urban parks

Native species such as neem, peepal, pungan, and arasa trees are prioritized to strengthen biodiversity and climate resilience.

Environmental Cleaning & Waste Removal

Annamalai’s sustainability month also emphasizes environmental cleaning, especially in:

Forest fringes | Water bodies | Beaches | Public parks | Rural pathways

Plastic waste, broken glass, and non‑biodegradable materials pose serious threats to wildlife and local ecosystems. Community clean‑ups help restore natural habitats and reduce pollution.

Protecting Wildlife Habitats

Tamil Nadu’s forests - from Mudumalai to Anaimalai Tiger Reserve - are home to elephants, deer, birds, and countless species. Sustainability month highlights:

Preventing litter in forest zones | Reducing human‑wildlife conflict 

Supporting conservation volunteers | Educating visitors on responsible tourism

This aligns with global conservation principles and encourages citizens to treat forests as shared ecological heritage.

Youth & Community Participation 

Schools, colleges, and NGOs have joined hands to organize:

Awareness rallies | Eco‑workshops | Nature walks | Plastic‑free campaigns

Water conservation sessions

Youth participation is crucial because environmental change is a long‑term commitment. Also youth wherever you are think pro-environmentally not only for you but for current and future Earth Inhabitants. 

It ways better to choose such selfless leaders. Do not go for corrupt and leaders who do not have a vision just for the sake of it. Think logically, analyze the quality, knowledge, experience, expert levels and elect.  There were great leaders in Tamil Nadu such as Kamarajar and Dr. Kalam, who were selfless and contributed towards betterment of people. Think that way to elect and select leaders.

A Vision for a Greener Tamil Nadu

Annamalai’s declaration of August as a sustainability month is not just an event - it’s a movement. It encourages every citizen to take small actions that collectively create a large impact.

Tamil Nadu’s environmental future depends on:

Responsible waste management |  Continuous tree‑planting | Protecting wildlife

Reducing pollution | Community‑led conservation

This month serves as a reminder that environmental protection is not seasonal - it is a daily responsibility.

Leaving behind prestigious institutions such as PSG College of Technology (BE), Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (PGDM), and a distinguished career in the Indian Civil Service – IPS (Indian Police Service) to work directly at the grassroots level is not something many can do. Only rare individuals with exceptional commitment and purpose choose such a path. This is what a true gem of a rare leader does directing people in the right direction.  I am  glad Annamalai (I am proud of him  - as much as my own brother)  as an Environmental Scientist who promotes Environment, Regenerative Agriculture,  Health, against illicit drugs, alcohol and started this awareness from 

Pollachi, my native town.

That day the topic was about illicit drugs and alcohol. I have been writing articles in my blog about the ill effects of these social evils and their ill effects in my blog. I’m glad that this topic was addressed first - and now the second initiative, the Environmental Campaign in Tamil Nadu led by the masses of We The Leaders, is even more meaningful to me. I cannot express how happy I am to see real action happening on the ground. Cleaning public spaces and planting trees are the two most important steps in any environmental movement, and they are being carried out with dedication across the state.

To farmers out there - unfortunately due to Climate changes along with El Nino coming months will be very very challenging months - prepare for it.

Check Agri_AI and some solutions to be ready - Regenerative Farming.

We The Leaders is filled with committed individuals who believe that everyone is a leader, and they are deeply involved in action rather than just discussion, exactly what is needed right now. My request is simple: even if you belong to other groups or parties, please join hands with We The Leaders and contribute to these selfless environmental efforts. These actions will benefit not only today’s inhabitants but also future generations of our Mother Earth.

Anaimalai WTL Volunteers cleaning the River - Removing Water Hyacinth Manually:

I am working with many WTL groups all over the World for bettering the environment initiative along with other similar organizations and projects focused on improving the lives of people. Together, we can create meaningful and lasting change to Tamil Nadu, India and the World .  I congratulate, salute all the volunteers of We The Leaders. 

More information on the cleaning efforts - WTL cleaning efforts

Together we can achieve it.

By 

Makesh Karuppiah, PhD 

Environmental Scientist & Information Technologist

Moon

MOON EXPLORATION

Chandrayaan 3 mission (Launch Date - 14 July 2023 14.35 hrs IST)  was a great success ( Landing Date Time - 23 August 2023 06.04 hrs IST)  for ISRO team, ISRO and INDIA. 

Wishing them more success in the future. From childhood space always fascinated me and my friends. We learned about rockets in detail during our high school and were attracted to them. As we grew heard about  Vikram Sarabai, and Dr. Kalam, followed him and highly motivated by his accomplishments and speeches. 

FROM HUMBLE BEGININGS

Later moved to US for higher studies and had opportunity to visit Wallops Island where Dr. Kalam had also visited. My environmental research was on Chesapeake Bay sediment toxicity. Also had a dream to study such toxicity on extraterrestrial materials, which did not materialize due to various reasons but the interest in space never deteriorated. Life took its path and put me near the Titusville where Kennedy Space Center, NASA is located. NASA's outer planet exploration, it's space shuttles, and  rockets are examples of human's intelligence, hard work, dedication, perseverance, unselfish sacrifices and uncompromised quest for exploration into unknown territory.

Presidents Kennedy's words are true - 

"Not because they are easy, but because they are hard; because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills."

It is hard work from childhood for an aspirant astronaut. Fitness, extreme conditioning endurance tests, education, knowledge,  experience, severe extreme exercises including swimming in gargantuan sized pools with heavy space suits ( for practicing space walks ). 

After all these hardwork they may not even get to travel out of the World and those get the chance have several risk factors such as exposures to hazardous materials, weight loss, change in physiology, psychology and even accidental death. Young students have witnessed their astronaut teacher's space craft blowing off. We have seen spacecrafts broken into pieces while returning into Earth's atmosphere after successful mission. Kalpana Chawla and the crew are still in our minds. 

Space exploration is really tough and with all these hurdles still the courageous bunch try these exploration to satisfy their quest for reaching the universe and understanding it. 

Despite of all these hardwork, sacrifice and team efforts,  there are negative comments that these are Hollywood movie sets. Even though real scientists do not care about these comments, it is an insult to their dedication and hard work. Rockets are one of the human made wonders and an outcome of a teamwork at its best. Even if people do not appreciate their dedication, hard and tough efforts, they should not negatively demeanor their efforts. Still we are mastering the space exploration day by day. Rocket's humongous size can be witnessed only when you are near it. This Saturn/Apollo Rocket displayed at KSC will make one awe at its size. Just the exhaust is so huge and the body from top to bottoom cannot be captured in one normal photo frame. 

Similarly space shuttles with their orange fuel tank is a delight to watch especially during launch. Have watched several spaceshuttle launches from KSC and night ones are the delight to watch. First you see a ball of fire lifting the space shuttle lighting up the entire area and finally you hear the roaring unimaginable sound. One will not take the eyes away from the shuttle until it disappears into the space. This will stay in one's mind for so long. 

Over the years the space travel has improved with advancement of technology. We can be of sure that it is going to improve a lot in the future. 

A recent launch by SpaceX delightful to watch from beach.

As we felt excellent at the success of Chandrayaan mission and its rover Pragyan exploring the moon, heard some negative comments such as India is poor, even toilets are not there for several people - Swachh_Bharat_Mission 

 and feed your people (India is number 1 in Pulses production and in top 4 in many crops and main vegetables). India has great history of agriculture greatness and it has been documented in more than 2000 years old Thirukkural by great Thiruvalluvar.

Also water management, irrigation systems built by the Great Cholas are still existing as witness. Currently the agriculture is moving towards sustainable regenerative agriculture - not only we practice it at EAFARMS, but also we educate the farmers on its benefits.

Everyone knows that India has the most population in the World. As in corporate business world, there is a budget by government for every aspects, there are departments such as Space Exploration and Poverty Reduction among several. As in corporate world, everything runs by budget. Every department has its own budget allocated. Similarly governments allocate funding ( Budget ) for space exploration and poverty reduction programmes. Hard working people in Space exploration make it big which is not only good for country, but also for future generations. It is rat race in space exploration field, especially, Corporates are knocking doors at it. Everyone wants their hands on Moon's Resources especialy the Helium - 3. The old treaty is getting over and hence India PM reiterated that this landing is for the whole World and  humanity. At the same time, poverty reduction even though budget allocation is there, poor management and corruption has put that department into back seat unlike ISRO. That department negativesness should be rectified and in near future poverty should be eradicated from the face of our Mother Earth. That comparison is the best example of comparing apples and oranges, especially by negative minded people. Space program gives job opportunities for thousands of people. As India's PM has said during Chandrayaan 3 mission, the success is for the whole humanity and to leap forward positively. 

It is One Earth, One Family and One Future:

Every one should work together for the prosperity of our Great Planet - Mother Earth instead of fighting each other, war, polluting, spreading negativity and destroying our fragile Planet, the small bluedot in the great universe. Chandrayaan 3 landing site is now named as Shivsakthi Point 

by Prime Minister Modi dedicating to the men and women who worked hard to make this mission successful. 

One day people may visit Moon and ride a rover. 

With Dr. Hatha, Environmental Scientist in a model rover at KSC.

From there they might explore the vast universe. Our future generatons have the motivation ( motivation to young future aspirants ), capability and technology to take it further forward. Good Luck to such teams, scientists, explorers and hard workers. 

Also at EAFARMS we follow Farmer's Moon Almanac calendar while planting. The Farmers' Moon Almanac is a traditional guide that combines astronomical data, weather forecasts, and seasonal advice tailored for farmers, gardeners, and nature enthusiasts. It includes information on moon phases, best planting and harvesting dates, and fishing and hunting tips based on lunar cycles. Rooted in folklore and time-tested observations, it also provides astrological insights, home remedies, and practical wisdom for rural living. The almanac serves as both a functional calendar and a cultural artifact, helping people align agricultural and daily activities with natural rhythms and celestial patterns.

Makesh Karuppiah, PhD

Environmental Scientist and Information Technologist

Climate Change

SCIENTIST'S WARNING:
World Scientists’ Warning of a Climate Emergency

Kids are voicing their opinion strongly about climate changeas they are ones going to really face the future.  

Climate Change - NASA - Climate - Research and Data

                             NOAA - Climate - Research and Data

It is really sad to see them protest and some of them getting arrested. They must focus on their future too. They need to think and how they can really counteract the environmental problem. 

Another potent Green House Gas: Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is a very potent greenhouse gas than other ghgs  and countries are using it at unprecedented rate.

 
A method of counteracting Climate Change - Use renewable resources, techniques and show the world that this can be done.
Some more counteracting methods:

-planting more trees,

-Innovative ideas such as algal lamp,

-inventing new devices such as Carbon dioxide absorption device,

-developing regenerative agriculture practices

I am sure the motivated people will find more solutions when we move forward.

As we move scientifically forward, there is no way for zero pollution any more. Instead we should work how to reduce pollution, emission and rack up solutions to the problem. Moving forward they should become environmental research scientists, data scientists (Information Technology - IoT, AI - MILA Quebec is currently involved - can aide in solving Climate issues and provide solutions), policy makers, create positive projects, politicians, and whatever professions that will help the environment. While pursuing these careers, they can simultaneously   practice environmentally friendly actions even if it is as simple as planting trees, creating gardens, banning plastics, using less water and many other small deeds. If it multiplies more and more and grows exponentially it will be good for the Environment and Earth Inhabitants. When these kids become scientists and policy makers, they can contribute to the betterment of environment.  Even if they shine up in different fields,  they can contribute to environment betterment by

Five Rs - Refuse -> Reduce -> Reuse -> Recycle -> Recover.

In my case, I have long journey of environmental background starting a Biology undergrad degree, studying two masters in Environmental Science and pursuing a PhD in Environmental Science. During these degrees I focused on low cost effluent treatments, bio -remediation and Environmental Toxicology. 

I had a chance to study and research Pocomoke River, a Cheapeake Bay tributary, which indicated the river was polluted before the massive fishkills occurred. Later after some years I am really glad and happy that because of precautions taken in Chesapeake water shed area, the great Chesapeake Bay has revived environmentally but also still facing threats. 
            Building Air Pollution Chambers to study the effects during University days

This is what I mean to the kids, use your capabilities, do positive research, analyze data and tell the World that these are the facts and give the solutions. That way you will have more support, because everyone want to breathe good air, drink uncontaminated water, eat artificial chemical free food and live a quality healthy life in unpolluted land. Some times in life, you don’t get opportunity in the field you love the most. But never give up. I wanted to end up in a University to teach my beloved subject Environmental Science and conduct research and guide students and serve to betterment of Environment. Somehow I could not achieve that. But never gave up. Using the data analyses, modeling and predictive statistics skills I completed another masters in Computer Science and built a career in that field focusing on data. Using it I created my own Environmental projects such as EAFARMS - a sustainable natural organic agriculture development that works together with nature (planting more trees and enriching soil naturally). 

I still learn about current environmental topics, work with environmental scientists and co-ordinate them to do projects that benefit environment, create environmental awareness to children by volunteering, writing blog, twitter, answering in Quora (social media). I work with like minded friends to follow environmentally friendly agriculture, plant more trees and mimic and create small forests wherever I can. Also with my experience I wrote a book called Modern Realistic Environmentalism

and wanted it to be available freely, to share my environmental experience. In our backyard,  we created bird friendly environmental areas and watching them gives us immense joy.

With all these information, if I can make at least one more person to at least follow one environmental friendly activity, I really feel I have achieved something. I think together we can protect the environment and prolong its positives to future generations to come. Thank you.

Makesh Karuppiah, PhD

Environmental Scientist and Information Technologist

Sustainable Organic Natural Agriculture - Regenerative Farming

Sustainable Organic Natural Agriculture 

 Regenerative Farming

EAFARMS

Artificial Chemical Free Natural Farming:

At EAFarms, we practice artificial chemical free farming. We use farm manure, natural defenses in our agriculture practices. Our aim is to produce artificial chemical free produce. Also we  avoid Genetically Modified Organisms. 

We strictly use farm manure instead of chemical fertilizers. We are Tamil Nadu Organic Certified farm:

 

We also laboratory tested our produce and found no traces of artificial chemicals. 

Since food is one of the most important part of human life it is better to produce it in natural way. In Hindi language SONA (Sustainable Organic Natural Agriculture) means Gold. We at EAFarms,  consider our produce as GOLD (Green Organic Land Development).

Creating habitat and protecting Wildlife:
At EAFarms we have created forests with lots of trees. Trees are important part of our EAFarms ecosystem. Lots of birds and animals have come back to this area. One of borders at EAFarms is with a huge banyan tree with lots of living organisms and we call it as 

"Natural Tree of Life". 

The canopy of this big tree is clearly visible in Google maps. When we see these beautiful birds at EAFarms we feel happy and feel satisfied that we have created a habitat for Wildlife.

Water conservation methods:

At EAFarms we really know the importance of water conservation. We have created a Swale 

and Ground Water Recharging Pits to recharge our ground water. 

These methods have improved the ground water level to a better level even when there is low rainfall in a season. We also use drip irrigation and water pits in center of four trees to increase the utilization of the water more efficiently by the trees.

Permaculture - Contours for water conservation

At EAFarms, we practice all these efficiently and want to spread our information to the World. Anywhere in the World, if we work with the tune of Nature without disturbing the Nature, you really feel the satisfaction it brings and it can't just be expressed by words. Earlier I have written about spiritual farming too. Along with the other organic natural methods you include spiritual farming it takes the farming to another level.

Live stock is main part of EAFarms. Cattle grace our farms and we grow fodder in the farm. Cows are important part of our farm system. 
               
Goats also graze the fodder and do their part for the farm. 

Chickens follow them and do their job at EAfarms. 

Because of all these livestock the soil gets richer and this can be visualized clearly by the presence of moisture and earthworms. 

We also see bees buzzing around. 

Wild birds are also frequent visitors to the farm, 

making the farm a regenerative farm.

Some of our Organic Produce free of synthetic chemicals:

Utilizing Renewable Resources for Farming

Solar

BioGas

சுழன்றும்ஏர்ப் பின்னது உலகம் அதனால்உழந்தும் உழவே தலை.

Meaning of this Thirukural by the Great Tamil Poet Thiruvalluvar -

After searching and trying various employments in this revolving EARTH, humans finally resort to Agriculture and understands that it is the excellent form of labor even though it is really hard.

Makesh Karuppiah               Karuppiah Chandrasekar ( Farm Activities )

                                          & TEAM

EAFarms in Facebook

Scientific References:

Science Mag

Biological Conservation

NCBI - NIH

This is our real World experience, just wanted to share to the World. 

With a BS in Biology, MS in Environmental Science focusing on Environmental Chemistry and M.Phil in Environmental Science focusing in Environmental Physiology and a PhD in Environmental Sciences from University of Maryland MEES Program and person who identified the Toxicity of Pocomoke River, MD with scientific evidence and research, before the massive fish kills in the Chesapeake Bay area, and another Master’s degree in Computer Science with focusing in Data, Leading as a technical adviser for compliance software  development, this is not anecdotal nonsense based on the appeal to nature fallacy (mentioned as a comment when presented in a website), but our real world experience.

Makesh Karuppiah, PhD
Environmantal Scientist and Information Technologist