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The Rotary Club of Madras (RCM), in collaboration with the Institute for Climate and Environment (ICE), joined hands as community partners for a Sustainability Carnival and Primathon 2026, a two-day initiative dedicated to inspiring climate awareness and responsible living. Held on February 14 and 15, 2026 at Primrose School, Chennai, the event was thoughtfully curated by ICE, with the Rotary Club of Madras supporting the initiative to expand its reach and strengthen its impact within the community.

The event commenced with a meaningful step toward ecological restoration as Chief Guest President Rtn. Nikhil Raj, along with Director Youth Services Rtn. Suman Voora and Director Community Services Rtn. Suresh Arimapu, planted the first tree under ICE’s rewilding initiative, ROOTS (Restoring Our Original Tree Systems). The sapling, a Manoranjitham tree contributed by Rtn. Sunil Shanker, was planted within the Primrose School campus, symbolizing the beginning of a larger vision. Through the ROOTS initiative, ICE aims to plant one million trees over the next three years, working toward restoring native tree ecosystems and strengthening environmental resilience.

The Rotary Club of Madras was proud to have partnered with the Institute for Climate and Environment as its community partner for this initiative. The events were financially supported by Rtn. Fharzana Siraj, B&G Solar Pvt Ltd, and Kaleesuwari Foundations.

On February 15, the Primathon brought together students, parents, and educators for a 1.5-kilometre run representing the critical 1.5°C global warming threshold established by the Paris Agreement. The run was flagged off by Rtn. Sesha Sai, District Chairman, and served as a powerful reminder of the urgency of climate action. Participants ran wearing eco-friendly T-shirts made from sustainable materials, reinforcing the message that environmental responsibility can be integrated into everyday choices.

The event also introduced a unique perspective on sustainability by emphasizing inner balance as the starting point for environmental responsibility. Guided by ICE’s philosophy rooted in Triguna Theory, a yoga session was conducted to encourage the cultivation of Sattva — a state of inner clarity and balance. This approach highlighted that meaningful environmental change begins with mindful living, encouraging individuals to make conscious choices, reduce waste, and care for their surroundings as part of a holistic lifestyle.

A central highlight of the event was the Climate Action Pledge, which invited attendees to commit to adopting sustainable habits in their daily lives. Participants across both days signed the pledge as a promise to carry environmentally responsible practices back into their homes, schools, and workplaces. In recognition of their participation and commitment, donors, partners, volunteers, and attendees were presented with a Certificate of Climate Action from ICE.

For members of the Rotary Club of Madras, the initiative served as a powerful reminder that service can take many forms and that community fellowship can play a meaningful role in addressing global challenges at the local level. By supporting initiatives that inspire environmental awareness and collective responsibility, the Rotary Club of Madras continues to reinforce its commitment to community service and sustainable progress.

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