On this day, we rise together with communities worldwide who champion free-flowing rivers, defend water rights, and advocate for sustainable, inclusive river management.

From removing outdated dams to opposing water privatization and ensuring local voices are heard in river management decisions, this day is about taking action. It’s about recognizing that rivers are not just part of our past—they are central to our future.

They are fundamental to human rights, providing clean water and supporting communities that depend on them for survival, culture, and livelihoods. The theme calls on us to unite in solidarity with rivers and the communities that protect them.

It’s a powerful reminder that the health of rivers is inseparable from the health of our planet and all life on Earth. Rivers are not just resources; they are living ecosystems that connect us all.

fragmented by dams, polluted by waste, and undermined by climate change and irresponsible development. When rivers are at risk, so too is our collective future. This year’s theme for the International Day of Action for Rivers is "Our Rivers, Our Future."

🌊 Our Rivers, Our Future 🌍 Rivers are the lifeblood of our planet. They provide fresh water, support biodiversity, regulate our climate, and sustain cultural traditions that have thrived for generations. Yet, rivers worldwide are under threat.

The question now is: Will we recognize the true worth of this plant and the knowledge it carries before it vanishes? Let’s not wait until it’s too late to protect the Malali moggu and the cultural and ecological heritage it represents.

(“Malali plant has become a dream...now somewhere there is one truth/ its existence....now after the lantana covered the whole forest.. don't know what happened to all those plants.”)

An elder once said the following while thinking of the uncertainty of its future, "Malali gida kanasagothu etthakavo…sathyaka ondagothu eega… kaadu mugiya hunnigida mucchidetiga gidaga mugiya adenagotho?"

Yet, today, this precious plant teeters on the brink of extinction. As the forests shrink and traditions fade, the wisdom of the Soliga elders—passed down through songs, stories, and practices—risks being lost forever.

It attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, enriches the soil by fixing nitrogen, and sustains the fertility of the forest. Beyond its ecological role, it holds profound medicinal value - healing wounds, reducing inflammation, and offering relief for respiratory ailments.

These delicate pink to purplish flowers, part of the Fabaceae family, are more than just a seasonal marvel; they are a cherished traditional food, gathered during the Sankranthi season, and a symbol of the deep bond between the Soliga people and their land.

“Living by Malali buds in the forest... (Goru Gorukko gorukkana is a chorus which has several interpretations). I ate Malali bud... Ate and dwelled in the forest”.

“Malali moggina vanavasalaa… Goru gorukko gorukkana… Malali mogga naa thindelaa… thindu vanavaasa naa maadine…Goru gorukko gorukkana” A Soliga traditional song, Gorukkana, that talks about the relationship that the Solega community has with the flower.

Malali moggu: A fading whisper of tradition, healing, and nature's delicate balance... Deep in the forests of the Biligiri Rangana Hills, the Soliga community sing of the Malali moggu—the tender flower buds of the Indigofera cassiodes plant.

Vishal and his team worked to educate villagers, preventing further harm to jackals and other creatures. This time, they ensured the rescue was conducted with the cooperation and understanding of the community and fostering coexistence.

Months earlier, similar situations had led to attacks on animals due to fear and misinformation, fueled by viral social media stories about wolves in Uttar Pradesh.

The team successfully rescued the animal using a large net and transported the animal to the Wildlife Care Center in Ahmedabad. This incident highlighted the challenges of human-wildlife negative interactions.

Upon arrival, they found the jackal with an old leg injury and marks on the body. After a careful examination, it was confirmed that the jackal did not have rabies.

Our Coexistence fellow Vishal Mistry and the forest department team recently rescued a golden jackal from a residential area in Khadli village. The call came from Vishal’s field work area where crocodiles and humans coexist, reporting a rabid jackal entering the village.