Two remarkable women, P. Pechiyammal from Ramanathapuram and Govindhammal from Villupuram, were recently awarded the Dr. M. S. Swaminathan Award for Environment Protection 2026. Both have made significant contributions to their communities: Pechiyammal leads ghost gear collection efforts, while Govindhammal promotes sustainable agriculture.
Virendra Tiwari, head of the National Biodiversity Authority, emphasized the importance of balancing development with biodiversity during the award ceremony. He praised their efforts in reducing plastic waste and advancing eco-friendly farming practices.
The awardees expressed gratitude to the Foundation for supporting their environmental work. Pechiyammal shared her surprise at receiving recognition for collecting discarded fishing nets and plastics. Govindhammal reflected on her journey from a small-scale farmer dependent on rain-fed crops to a member of a farmers’ producer company, highlighting improved access to better seeds and market rates.
Soumya Swaminathan, head of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, thanked Rotary Club of Madras East and CavinKare Pvt. Ltd for their support in honoring grassroots heroes. She noted that these women exemplify courage in pursuing vital yet risky professions like fishing and farming.
D. Suresh Jain and Radhika Sathyanarayana were also present to celebrate the achievements of these inspiring individuals.