National, February 22, 2024:

Sony BBC Earth, one of the most loved factual entertainment channels, proudly presents Mrs Uma Mani as the Earth Champion for the month. Known as the Coral Woman of India, an artist and PADI-certified scuba diver, Uma, exemplifies the fusion of passion and action towards the conservation of coral reefs.

Uma Mani’s journey to becoming the Coral Woman of India began on the vibrant streets of Dindugul, Tamil Nadu. Taking an unexpected turn at the age of 49, she decided to become a PADI-certified scuba diver. This transformative decision was not just about exploring the underwater world but a commitment to safeguarding the delicate ecosystems beneath the surface. Uma’s dual passion for painting and scuba diving converged into a symphony of art. The canvas became her medium, and the ocean, her muse. Each stroke captured the essence of an underwater world. Uma has been using her artistic expression as tool to spark meaningful conversations about the threats faced by coral reefs, including bleaching, pollution, and global warming.

Watch her Earth Champions video here.

Earth Champions is a monthly property of Sony BBC Earth that is committed to honouring real-life heroes making a substantial impact on our planet. The channel showcases the work done by the Earth Champions in a short-form content format with befitting music. The video is telecasted on the channel and promoted on network channels apart from the online medium.