Seeman’s “Marangal Maanadu” (Tree Conference) on August 30, 2025

 

 Thiruthani, Tamil Nadu – August 30, 2025

Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) leader Seeman hosted the much-anticipated “Marangal Maanadu” (Tree Conference) on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Manithaneya Poonga – Vettri Thottam, located at Arungulam Junction near Thiruthani. The event, themed “Let’s Talk to Trees; Let’s Speak for Trees,” highlighted the urgent need for tree conservation and environmental awareness.

 

In the days leading up to the conference, Seeman visited the venue and spent time among the trees, publicly expressing his deep affection for nature. In a symbolic act that caught wide attention, he hugged and kissed a tree—an emotional gesture meant to underline the bond between people and the natural world. This moment was widely shared across social media platforms, sparking conversations on environmental responsibility.

 

During the Marangal Maanadu, Seeman emphasized that safeguarding trees is not merely an ecological necessity but a moral duty to future generations. He urged the public to recognize trees as protectors of life, providing clean air, shade, and sustenance, and called for collective action against deforestation and reckless urban expansion.

 

The gathering attracted environmental enthusiasts, party members, and local residents who echoed Seeman’s message of restoring harmony between humans and nature. By framing the cause of tree conservation as both a cultural and political responsibility, Seeman positioned the conference as a landmark event in Tamil Nadu’s ongoing environmental movement.

 

With the Marangal Maanadu, Seeman has once again reinforced his image as a leader who champions not only Tamil identity and rights but also ecological preservation—reminding citizens that the survival of future generations is rooted in the protection of trees today.

 

Key Moments & Highlights from the Marangal Maanadu (August 30, 2025) 

According to Maalaimalar, the NTK’s environmental wing organized the conference under Seeman’s leadership near Thiruthani. The event included:

1. Release of an environmental pledge

1. Tribute ceremonies where environmentalists and public figures—including Abdul Kalam, Nammalvar, Sundarlal Bahuguna, Mira Alfasa, Bangalore Rathai, and actor Vivekh—placed garlands, planted saplings, and honored trees in memory of these iconic conservationists.
2. Seeman distributed books to the organizers, launched a poetry book on trees, and delivered a speech themed “Let’s speak to trees; let’s speak for trees.”
   

 Participants & Key Highlights of the Marangal Maanadu & Speaker Insights

  

Time (Approx.)	Event	Description / Speaker
Morning / Pre-event	Venue visit & Tree Gesture	Seeman visits venue at Manithaneya Poonga, embraces a tree to publicize event
Venue & Theme	Held at Manithaneya Poonga – Vettri Thottam, Arungulam Junction, near Thiruthani, Tamil Nadu.	Theme: “Let’s Talk to Trees; Let’s Speak for Trees”
Midday / Event Starts	Welcome & Opening Remarks	Presumably by NTK organizers, setting tone and introduction (not explicitly cited)
Seeman’s Symbolic Gesture		Seeman visited the venue beforehand, spent time among trees, and made a symbolic gesture by hugging and kissing a tree—widely shared on social media—as a statement of his environmental commitment
Main Session	Seeman’s Key Speech	Focus on tree conservation as ecological, cultural, and moral imperative; call to resist deforestation and urban encroachment
Seeman’s Key Message		Emphasized the moral duty of protecting trees not only for environmental health but also for cultural heritage and future generations. Urged collective action against deforestation and unchecked urbanization
Public Engagement		The conference attracted environmental enthusiasts, NTK party members, and local residents, who echoed calls for harmony between humans and nature. NTK positioned the event as a blend of cultural and political activism
Audience Interaction	Community Engagement	Participation from environmentalists, party members, local citizens endorsing green political vision (inferred from theme and participation)
Closing Segment	Call to Action	Finale with a unified message on environment protection; likely NTK's framing of the green political revolution

 

Participant	Role / Tribute	Key Speech Highlights
Seeman (NTK Leader)	Hosted the conference, launched materials	Advocated for speaking to and for trees, emphasized cultural and environmental duty
Abdul Kalam (Tribute)	Honored posthumously by garlanding and sapling planting	Symbol of visionary environmental stewardship
Nammalvar (Tribute)	Honored similarly with garland & sapling	Revered for Tamil cultural and spiritual linkage to nature
Sundarlal Bahuguna (Tribute)	Honored with sapling planting	Jungle conservation icon, inspired movement
Mira Alfasa (Tribute)	Participated in the commemoration	Environmental symbolism and remembrance
Bangalore Rathai (Tribute)	Took part in homage activities	Local environmental advocacy
Actor Vivekh (Tribute)	Remembered and honored via sapling planting	Celebrated for his green activism legacy
Event Organizers & Cadre	Book distribution recipients	Encouraged to spread environmental awareness

  

Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) – Green Political Revolution in Tamil Nadu

 

The Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), under Seeman’s leadership, has steadily shaped itself into not just a political force but also a green movement in Tamil Nadu. Unlike conventional parties that focus solely on electoral victories, NTK has consistently tied its ideology to the protection of land, language, and nature.

 

From championing afforestation drives to opposing destructive industrial projects, NTK has projected itself as the voice of ecological justice. Seeman often reiterates that Tamil identity is inseparable from Tamil soil, rivers, and forests—arguing that a true revival of Tamil civilization must begin with the revival of its natural wealth.

 

The Marangal Maanadu serves as a continuation of this vision. By making environmental conservation a central theme of political discourse, NTK seeks to inspire a green political revolution in Tamil Nadu—one where trees, rivers, and fertile lands are treated as the foundation of people’s welfare, rather than expendable resources for development.

 

With its distinctive mix of Tamil nationalism and ecological activism, NTK has redefined what it means to do politics in the state, making environmental protection not just an activist’s concern but a people’s movement rooted in cultural pride.

 

 

Over the past 16 years, the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), under the leadership of Seeman, has consistently linked its politics with environmental conservation. The party has pioneered several green campaigns across Tamil Nadu, combining ecological activism with Tamil identity politics.

 

 

1. ‘Suttruchoozhal Paasarai’ (Environmental Wing) & ‘Vanam Seivom’ (Let’s Create Forests)

• Launched in 2010, the environmental wing of NTK focuses on planting native trees and protecting forests, water, and soil.
• ‘Vanam Seivom Trust’ functions as a non-profit, working to safeguard natural resources.
• Major efforts include:
• Desilting and beautification of lakes in Chennai’s Velachery and Kanyakumari.
• Post-Gaja Cyclone 2018, distributing 20,000 tree saplings in affected regions.
• Palm seed drives: 200,000 seeds in 2018 and 600,000 in 2019.
• Cleaning the Amaravathi River (Karur) – 5 km stretch cleared of waste.

 

2. 2017 – “Kellaru to Kakkanall” Anti-Plastic Campaign

• A state-wide campaign to reduce the use of plastics and raise awareness about its environmental hazards.

 

3. Waste-Free Rallies (Since 2017)

• NTK cadres began voluntarily cleaning up garbage after their rallies and public events.
• From 2022 onwards, over 50 major political gatherings have been followed by systematic waste collection, inspired by the example of Japanese football fans.

 

4. Protests Against Environment-Damaging Projects

• NTK has actively opposed projects that threaten Tamil Nadu’s ecology, including:
• Sterlite Copper Plant in Thoothukudi
• Hydrocarbon extraction projects in Neduvasal and Cauvery delta
• Nuclear waste dumping projects
• Issues surrounding Mullaperiyar Dam, Cauvery water sharing, and other resource conflicts

 

5. Palm Seed Sowing – Karur, Thogaimalai

• In 2020, around 400–500 palm seeds were planted in a large waterbody at Thogaimalai, Karur, as part of efforts to prevent soil erosion and support groundwater recharge.

 

6. Educational & Awareness Campaigns

• NTK cadres frequently visited schools and rural communities, conducting environmental awareness programs.
• Focus on teaching younger generations about water conservation, tree planting, and reducing pollution.

 

7. Waste Collection & Clean-Up Drives

• After political rallies and campaigns, NTK volunteers take part in post-event clean-up drives, ensuring that public spaces remain waste-free.
• This initiative gained national media coverage, with comparisons to Japanese football fans’ stadium clean-up culture.

 

Key Environmental Campaigns by NTK (2009–2025)

 

Campaign / Event	Description
Suttruchoozhal Paasarai (2010)	NTK’s environmental wing focusing on forests, water, and soil preservation.
Vanam Seivom Trust	Non-profit for afforestation and ecological restoration.
Palm Seed Drives (2018–19)	Over 800,000 palm seeds sown in Tamil Nadu.
Karur River Cleaning (2018)	5 km stretch of Amaravathi River cleaned.
Anti-Plastic Campaign (2017)	“Kellaru to Kakkanall” campaign against single-use plastics.
Clean-up Initiatives (2017–)	Waste-free political rallies; systematic post-event garbage collection.
Environmental Protests	Opposition to Sterlite, hydrocarbon projects, nuclear waste dumping, etc.
Educational Outreach	Awareness drives in schools, villages about ecology and sustainability.

 

Conclusion: The Way Forward for Seeman and NTK

 

Seeman and the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) have carved out a unique political identity in Tamil Nadu—one that fuses Tamil nationalism with environmental stewardship. Over the past decade and a half, their consistent focus on tree conservation, afforestation drives, river restoration, anti-pollution campaigns, and grassroots activism has positioned the party as a pioneer of a green political revolution.

However, the way forward requires both consolidation and expansion:

 

1. Scaling Grassroots Efforts – NTK must expand its environmental initiatives beyond symbolic campaigns, by creating sustainable community-driven eco-projects in every district.
2. Policy Integration – To strengthen its political legitimacy, NTK should move from activism to institutional policymaking, pushing for state-level reforms on renewable energy, water conservation, waste management, and biodiversity protection.
3. Youth & Public Mobilization – With growing climate awareness, Tamil Nadu’s youth are natural allies. NTK can channel their energy into long-term ecological movements, ensuring continuity of leadership and vision.
4. Collaboration with Experts & NGOs – Aligning with environmental scientists, NGOs, and global green movements will give NTK more credibility and practical solutions for Tamil Nadu’s ecological crises.
5. Balancing Tamil Nationalism & Ecology – While Tamil identity remains NTK’s ideological core, linking it inseparably with environmental survival can broaden its appeal beyond identity politics, positioning it as a forward-looking, people-first movement.
6. A Rising Political Force – With nearly 8% vote share in the 2021 Assembly elections, NTK has already emerged as the third largest party in Tamil Nadu’s traditional Dravidian-dominated landscape. What makes Seeman’s journey even more compelling is his refusal to align with either the national parties or the established Dravidian giants. Instead, he aspires to become the Chief Minister on his own terms, an ambition that mirrors the Kanshi Ram–style politics of self-reliance. Whether this blend of Tamil identity, eco-friendly policies, and uncompromising independence can propel him to the power center of Tamil Nadu in 2026 remains one of the state’s most intriguing political stories.

In essence, Seeman and NTK’s future lies in transforming environmental consciousness into a political roadmap. If they succeed, they won’t just remain a voice of protest but could emerge as a defining green force in Tamil Nadu’s political and ecological landscape.

 

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