Tue Apr 08 10:36:17 UTC 2025: ## New Digital Platform to Amplify Indigenous Voices of the Western Ghats
**Kodaikanal, April 8, 2025** – A new digital media platform, Sky Islands, is set to launch on April 17th, aiming to amplify the often- unheard voices of the Western Ghats. Born from the Kodai Chronicle, a community project initially launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sky Islands will feature stories, audio, and video content focusing on the lived experiences of the region’s indigenous people.
Founded by Rajni George, who returned to her hometown of Kodaikanal after years abroad, the platform addresses growing concerns over environmental degradation and overdevelopment in the Western Ghats. Inspired by the environmental efforts of previous generations and disheartened by recent negative news surrounding the region, George created the Kodai Chronicle as a means to contribute to positive change.
Sky Islands will initially publish one story per month, beginning with a series by Murugeshwari, a Paliyar community reporter, documenting Paliyar lifestyle and history. Murugeshwari’s work, written in Tamil and translated into English, is supported by the Shyama Foundation’s Shared Ecologies.
The launch will be celebrated with a fundraising concert on April 17th featuring renowned vocalists Suman Sridhar and Seema Ramchandani, followed by a collaborative storytelling event on April 18th in partnership with Kodaikanal International School’s Centre for Environment and Humanity. Both events will feature Murugeshwari and Sridhar. For tickets and more information, visit http://www.thekodaichronicle.com.
First Piper 