In the bustling city of Dubai, Nimal Raghavan enjoyed a lucrative career as a software developer. Life was comfortable, but everything changed when he returned to his roots back in India. In November 2018, Cyclone Gaja, had ravaged the Kaveri Delta, leaving death, destruction, and despair.
A life changing mission
When Nimal stepped into Nadiyam village, one of the 90 villages decimated by the cyclone, his perception about life changed. These villages, once thriving on agriculture, were left barren. Disturbed by this devastation, the 35-year-old Nimal made a decision that changed his life. He resigned from his high-paying job in Dubai and set himself on a mission to restore the water bodies of his homeland.
Nimal started his journey with immediate relief efforts. He launched a social media campaign that provided cyclone-affected communities with essential supplies, including clothing, groceries, and financial aid. Young locals were inspired by Nimal’s efforts and joined him to in his mission.
A lake was reborn
He started this second chapter of life, with the revival of the Periyakulam, a sprawling 565-acre waterbody in his hometown. He crowdfunded the expenses for this project which cost him around Rs 27 lakh.
With his tireless efforts and determination Peravurani Lak started breathing back. With the help of a dedicated team of like-minded volunteers, he planted 25,000 saplings across the Kaveri Delta region during the same year.
Today, Nimal Raghavan is associated with several organizations which tirelessly work on restoration projects across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
Beyond the homeland
Nimal’s impact extends beyond his homeland. Helping the Indian Army he has even rejuvenated a lake in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Currently, lake restoration projects are underway in various parts of India. Some of these projects are initiated through corporate social responsibility programs, while others are grassroots efforts driven by local residents and administration.
Nimal was recently invited by the Green Africa Foundation to work on a project in Kenya. Nimal Raghavan also presides over his own NGO, MEGA Foundation, which was founded in 2021 and is headquartered in Thanjavur. Driven by a commitment toward sustainability this NGO is dedicated to the restoration of water bodies and remains closely associated with various International organizations.
Nimal Raghavan’s journey has ignited passion for environment conservation among those who witnessed the rebirth of lakes. Nimal is committed to revive every water body in India till the time not a single one is left in need of healing.
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