Place : Kolakudipatti, Thottiyam
Date : 22nd March, 2010
Time : 11.30 am

International World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. An international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day. Each year, World Water Day highlights a specific aspect of freshwater.

Mr. Damodaran, Country Director, Water. Org, India Liaison Office welcomed the gatherings for their esteemed presence. He told the function was initially started with just 200 people and now there are more than 22000 people present in this function in showing their Interest on this 12th World Water Day Celebration. He stressed the importance of water and requested people to preserve it well. People in Kenya used to walk for nearly 4 Km’s to fetch water. They carry about 20 litres of waters and use it for their purpose by preserving it. He added saying people should preserve water and arrange for Rain water harvesting plans in their houses to make the ground water available. Thus he thanked everyone and concluded his speech. The program went on a good pace organizing a dance after every speech given by the chief guests following which; the Vice-Chancellor of Bharathidasan University gave an enriching presidential address to the audience.

Mr. Ponnavaiko, Vice-Chancellor, Bharathidasan University, Trichy commenced his speech saying people once used fertilizers from their own home waste and now-a-days people buy the fertilizer for money. He told the importance of water and requested people to preserve it well. He told the World Water Day Event is conducted all over the world and he is happy to see Gramalaya as a part of it. He concluded saying people should be aware of the importance of program and should act fulfilling the objectives of the program.

All the guests were honored by a memento given to them following their speech to the audience. A skit with children emphasizing the hygiene and importance of sanitation took place to preach awareness among the people in sanitation. The Special Address given by the guests are as follows: