India: A Cycling Journey to Promote Care for Creation

In a creative effort to protect the environment and raise public awareness, members of the Tamil Nadu AICUF, together with various Religious Congregations in Tamil Nadu, South India, will embark on a historic cycling awareness journey from Kanyakumari to Chennai from November 5 to 20, 2025.

Known as the “Pasumai Payanam” (Green Journey) and carrying the slogan “Pedal for the Planet,” the campaign is themed “Let’s Protect Nature, Let’s Restore the Right to Life.” The initiative aims to draw attention to the urgent ecological challenges facing the world today.

Organizers said the campaign responds to the growing cry of “dying Mother Nature,” whose suffering is increasingly evident through unusual and extreme climate conditions. They warned that “the lament of nature has gone unheard in this selfish world,” calling on citizens to recognize the seriousness of the crisis as global warming continues to intensify natural disasters.

The Green Journey will also pay tribute to leading environmental advocates such as Dr. Nammalvar, a pioneer of natural farming in Tamil Nadu; Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai, known as the “Mother of Africa”; and Greta Thunberg, the Swedish environmental activist.

As the Church marks the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, organizers hope to bring its message to life through concrete action.

They appealed to people of all backgrounds, across religions, castes, classes, and communities, to unite in this shared mission. The initiative emphasizes that genuine change begins within each individual and then radiates outward, echoing its guiding belief that “small drops together create a wave.” The Green Journey aspires to grow into a people’s movement dedicated to restoring harmony between humanity and creation, inspiring greater environmental responsibility and long-term ecological healing.

Speaking to Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), Fr. Parthasarathi Narayanasamy, SJ, emphasized that the cycling rally is not merely symbolic but a genuine act of commitment to care for creation. “The cry of Mother Earth is a call we can’t ignore,” he said. “Her rivers run dry, her forests burn, hear the cry of Mother Earth.”

He added, “May this cycling rally become a powerful symbol of harmony between humans and nature. Each pedal you push is a promise to breathe cleaner air, protect our Earth, and inspire others to care for creation. May the wind at your back remind you that nature supports those who protect her. Ride with purpose and passion, and may this journey sow seeds of hope for a greener tomorrow.”