Leadership Stories
‘Pittiyathala’, the glass-bottom boat
Ameer M.C. or Sameer, as his friends call him, is the manager of Sandy Beach Cultural and Eco-Tourism Society.
Recently a dream of Sameer came true. He and others from 'Sandy Beach' built a magnificent glass-bottom boat, called Pittiyathala, to use for local environmental education.
The Sandy Beach members offer local community members guided tours of the lagoon on Pittiyathala. This trip is especially appealing to women and girls because they would not be able to see the lagoon's marine life otherwise.
'Sandy Beach' members designed and built the boat together by using traditional island knowledge and their own experience.
They took their maiden voyage in November 2007 to see their favourite spots in Kavaratti's lagoon and beyond.
Since the launch of Pittiyathala hundreds of children, women and men have made their first glass-bottom boat trip in this gorgeous, safe and unique boat.
And there are no bubbles to spoil your view!
The boat's
sound system
is powered
by solar
energy.
artwork is a
masterpiece and was painted by
Abdul Khader,
a local artist and teacher.You can see his paintings at the Marine Aquarium in Kavaratti.
The powder blue surgeon fish (Acanthurus leucosternon) is a common sighting.
Artwork: Abdul Khader
unicorns,
rays,
turtles,
and even sharks....
Sandy Beach staff keeps daily records of their sightings.
The beauty of the reef touches everyone. When the adventurers return to Sandy Beach you can see them sipping their tea and staring out to sea: their thoughts are still resting on the lagoon, the reef, its conservation and their own future.
Contact Sameer with your thoughts, questions.
Updated: 18 August 2008