Aravind Tharunsri, a seasoned scuba diving instructor with two decades of experience in cleaning up the ocean’s depths, has embarked on a mission alongside his nine-year-old daughter, Thaaragai Aarathana, to protect marine life and combat plastic pollution. Together, this dynamic father-daughter duo has made a remarkable impact by collecting a staggering 1,000 kilograms of plastic waste from the ocean.
Aravind Tharunsri’s commitment to marine conservation spans over 20 years, during which he has amassed an astonishing total of 30,000 kilograms of plastic debris from the ocean. Eager to instill a sense of responsibility and environmental consciousness in his daughter from a young age, he introduced her to scuba diving when she was just five years old.
The duo’s activities extend beyond underwater cleanup efforts. They conduct regular beach and ocean clean-ups and are actively engaged in raising awareness about the importance of protecting our oceans and marine ecosystems. Aravind Tharunsri believes that focusing on the next generation is crucial, which is why he involves his daughter in their conservation endeavors.
“We talk to people about plastic waste. We do presentations to the public and the fishermen since they are there for a longer period of time,” Aravind Tharunsri explains, emphasizing the importance of education and outreach in their mission.
Thaaragai Aarathana, at just nine years old, is already making significant strides in marine conservation advocacy. In a recent feat, she swam an impressive 18 kilometers from Covelong to Neelankari with her father’s support, all to raise awareness for marine life conservation. Her remarkable achievement in this endeavor earned her a place in the Assist World Records.
Looking toward the future, Thaaragai aspires to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a diving master. She passionately advocates for environmental responsibility, urging children her age to take action: “This is our responsibility to save the ocean and the environment. I am requesting all kids like me to keep the house and the streets plastic-free. This way we will become plastic-free in the future.”
Aravind Tharunsri and his remarkable daughter, Thaaragai Aarathana, serve as inspiring examples of the positive impact individuals and families can have on the environment through their dedication to marine conservation and their relentless pursuit of a plastic-free future for our oceans.
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