Uma Mani: India's Coral Woman Takes the Plunge at 49 to Champion Ocean Conservation

From Painter to Climate Crusader: How Uma Mani Found Her True Calling Underwater

At 49, Uma Mani took her first underwater dive, sparking a relentless dedication to ocean conservation and the preservation of dying coral reefs. Her journey is beautifully captured in the award-winning documentary "Coral Woman," which chronicles her life and experiences both above and below water.

Fourteen years ago, at the age of 45, with her son off to college, Uma Mani rediscovered her passion for painting—a childhood dream she had set aside. Encouraged by the director of Alliance Française in the Maldives, where she was learning French, Mani began painting again. Initially, she focused on flowers, but her interest shifted dramatically after watching a documentary on coral reefs by Dr. Pascale Chabonet.

This newfound inspiration led Mani to the sea, where she began painting vibrant coral reefs. Despite lacking formal training in art, she persevered, showcasing her first collection at the Marine Centre in the Maldives. A pivotal moment came during an exhibition when a visitor's comment about her never having seen corals underwater struck a chord. Determined to bridge this gap, she learned to swim at 49 and took up scuba diving, with her son gifting her a scuba-diving course for her 25th wedding anniversary.

Mani's initial dives were challenging, but she persisted, and the underwater world left a lasting impression on her art. Her paintings became vivid portrayals of coral ecosystems, reflecting the beauty and plight of the reefs. A turning point was the 2016 Maldives Marine Symposium, where she learned about the critical state of coral reefs globally, fueling her commitment to conservation.

Inspired to document her experiences, Mani embarked on filming her dives with a camera gifted by her son. Although her early attempts were rudimentary, she connected with filmmaker Priya Thuvassery, leading to the creation of "Coral Woman." The documentary, released in 2019, brought Mani's message to a broader audience, highlighting the urgent need for ocean conservation.

Today, Uma Mani continues her mission from Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, raising awareness through talks at schools, colleges, and corporate organizations. She emphasizes personal responsibility in waste management and advocates for innovative solutions to environmental issues. Mani's journey from a painter to a climate champion underscores the impact of individual action in the fight against climate change.

"As individuals, we must take responsibility for our actions and strive to protect our planet," she says. "Everyone can contribute in their own way to make a difference."

Reference:

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