An “India March for Science” was organised in Madurai to promote scientific temper, foster scientific thinking among the public, and create greater awareness about climate change, its impacts, and the importance of taking timely measures to address the crisis.
Organised by the Madurai Chapter of the Breakthrough Science Society, the march commenced at around 10 a.m. on 22 September 2026, from in front of Raja Muthiah Mandram, Madurai. Dr. Abdul Kadir, President of the Madurai Chapter and former Principal of MSS Wakf Board College, Madurai, addressed the gathering, while Professor Gayathri, Vice-President of the Society, flagged off the march. The procession concluded in front of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Gandhi Museum, where all participants took a climate awareness pledge administered by Dr. Abdul Kadir.
Following the march, an awareness meeting was held in the park at the Gandhi Museum. At the meeting, Professor Yogaraj, State Secretary of the Society, delivered an awareness address explaining in detail the causes of climate change and the measures that can be adopted to address it.
As part of efforts to enhance students’ knowledge and awareness of environmental protection and climate change mitigation, essay competitions were conducted on topics including “Impacts of the Climate Crisis,” “Causes of the Climate Crisis and Mitigation Strategies,” and “Ocean Acidification and its Impacts on Marine Life.” Prize books were presented to the students who participated in the competitions by Mr. Raju, former President of the Madurai GEM Lions Club.
More than 300 NCC and NSS students from Sri Aurobindo Mira College of Education, Anna University College, Sri Meenakshi Government Arts College for Women, Government Women’s Polytechnic College, E.M.G. Yadava Women’s College, PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya, Mannar Thirumalai Naicker College, Lady Doak College and Madurai Medical College participated in the awareness march. About 20 professors, NCC and NSS coordinators, members of the Madurai GEM Lions Club, including its President Ramakrishnan, and Sridhar of Namma Madurai Iyakkam also took part.
The march was organised to create awareness among the public about the impacts of climate change, the need for environmental protection, conservation of natural resources, water conservation, and the importance of creating a sustainable environment for future generations.
The coordination of the march was carried out by the Society’s Secretary, Advocate Hilda Mary, along with BSS volunteers Arun and Bharathi. Treasurer Sivakumar proposed the vote of thanks.