Over 5,000 Gather for Climate Action Walkathon in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu

October 29, 2025: A call for climate justice echoed through Tirunelveli as St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Palayamkottai, in collaboration with EcoJesuits and Poovulagin Nanbargal, organised the Climate Action Walkathon 2025.

Held under the banner “Climate Justice – Sound from the South,” the walkathon highlighted Tamil Nadu’s vulnerability to rising heat, erratic monsoons, and water stress, and its readiness to act ahead of COP30.

Coordinated by Fr. Antony Samy, the event brought together over 4,800 students and 300 teachers, making it one of the largest youth-led climate actions in southern India.

Walking for Climate Justice

Students marched from St. Xavier’s College carrying placards that read “There is No Planet B,” “Justice for Climate, Justice for All,” and “Let the South Speak.”

The walkathon was flagged off by Fr. Dr. S. Ignacimuthu, S.J., Rector of St. Xavier’s Institutions, Fr. Dr. S. Lazar, S.J., Secretary, and Fr. Dr. Godwin Rufus, S.J., Principal.

Mr. C. Robert Bruce, Member of Parliament, addressed the participants, stressing the need to protect the Tamirabarani River. “A river doesn’t just carry water—it carries life,” he said, adding that development must include environmental justice.

From Sangam to Science

Sessions on climate and ecology were held. Mr. Pamayan, organic farming scientist and writer, spoke on the link between Sangam literature and ecological balance.

Citing the Tamil poetic landscapes Kurunji and Marutham, he said ancestors saw human life, land, and water as inseparable. “Understanding the local is the first step to solving the global,” he said, urging participants to recognise sustainability as part of Tamil heritage.

'Be the Hummingbird'

Mrs. Jenny Mariadhas, Climate Change Activist and Researcher from Poovulagin Nanbargal, spoke on “Climate Change and Why Climate Justice Matters.”

She said the crisis is not only about temperature rise but also about inequality, as those who emit the least suffer the most. “Climate justice is about fairness, empathy, and shared responsibility,” she said.

Jenny concluded with Wangari Maathai’s story of the hummingbird:

“When the forest caught fire, all animals ran away except the little hummingbird, who carried drops of water to fight the flames. When asked why, she replied, ‘I’m doing the best I can.’” She urged students to “be the hummingbird” — to act, no matter how small their capacity may seem. Many later signed the Climate Justice Petition displayed at the venue.

Local Realities and Solutions

Mr. P. Lokesh, Geologist and Climate Researcher from Poovulagin Nanbargal, presented data on rising temperatures and erratic monsoons in southern Tamil Nadu. He said Tirunelveli faces increasing heat and water scarcity, adding, “When data meets empathy, action follows.” Speaking on green mobility, Mr. S. Vinayagam, Regional Transport Officer, encouraged walking, cycling, and public transport to reduce emissions. 

Mr. M. Mathivanan, Senior Research Associate at ATREE, Manimutharu, and Mr. P. Sakthivel Narayanan from Poovulagin Nanbargal, discussed conservation of the Western Ghats and its impact on rainfall and river flow, including the Tamirabarani basin.

Call from Tirunelveli

The event coincided with the start of the northeast monsoon, which had already disrupted life in Tirunelveli. With heat, water scarcity, and changing weather patterns, the theme of climate justice felt especially relevant.

“We, the youth of the South, demand climate justice — not tomorrow, but today.”

As the world prepares for COP30, the youth of Tirunelveli emphasised that climate action begins with local awareness and collective effort.

Model for Zero-Waste Events

The Climate Action Walkathon 2025 was organised as a zero-waste event, showing that large gatherings can be managed sustainably.

Water stations used steel tumblers instead of disposable cups, and food was served plastic-free in reusable containers. Banners and placards were made from cloth, cardboard, and reused materials from earlier campaigns. Volunteers ensured that waste was minimised and materials were reused.

“When we shift the idea of convenience to that of responsibility,” said one student volunteer, “zero-waste is not difficult — it’s simply mindful.”

The event demonstrated that environmental responsibility can be integrated into institutional planning and student participation, leaving behind no waste — only a clear message for climate action.

By Catholic Connect Reporter