Slice of Life: ‘Turtle conservation is my tribute to the sea’

I have been going to the sea since I was 12 and I have a closeness to it. In 2002, I came across Supraja Dharini, Founder and Chairperson of TREE Foundation, who was creating awareness about turtle conservation. I was deeply interested in the subject and soon began advocating the need to protect the turtle after realising its role in the environment. 

After addressing the nearby villagers, the work was extended to Kancheepuram. Then I went to Kanniyakumari, a few parts of Cuddalore and in the shallow waters in Tiruvarur, Thanjavur and Pudukkottai to address villagers in 500 villages. I spoke about turtles and the role of various types of fish in the environment. I drove through the places on my own in a van. I have been actively engaged in the conservation and other small researches. 

Last year, I won an award for my work relating to turtle conservation from among entries across the world. I am second among four siblings and didn’t study beyond Class 8. I used to assist my father in this occupation. My younger sister just got married; I have remained unmarried to give her a better life. Turtle conservation is my tribute to the sea that has given us so much.