Meet Toru – the daughter of Earth

Project Arodhya proudly unveils Toru, Bangladesh's first cartoon character dedicated to promoting environmental and social awareness among children and youth.

In a world where climate change and social inequality are pressing realities, Toru emerges as a voice of hope, learning, and change. Designed to inspire environmental consciousness, good hygiene practices, and respect for basic human rights, Toru aims to make learning fun, relatable, and deeply rooted in Bangladeshi culture.

Jannatul Ferdous Mohona, the visionary mind behind Toru and founder of Project Arodhya, describes Toru as "a bridge between knowledge and hearts". She shares, "The love for nature is already within us; we just forget how to care for it in our everyday lives. Toru will nurture that love, helping us learn the small responsibilities that can protect our environment. If our children grow up understanding that value, we can welcome a whole new generation who truly cares for Mother Earth."

The story behind Toru

Every big change starts with a small story, and Toru's began with a question: Why don't we have someone who speaks to us about the Earth in our own voice, from our own soil?

While the world had heroes like UNICEF's Meena teaching about hygiene and health, Bangladesh had no animated voice guiding us toward loving and protecting nature. From that thought, back in 2024, Toru was born, not from technology or trends, but from a dream to make caring for the planet feel human again.

Toru is the little whisper that reminds us that change doesn't have to be big or loud; it can start with one small action, one thoughtful choice, one story.

Brought to life by creativity

Toru's visual identity was brought to life by Rio Das, a student from Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) and a talented freelance graphic designer. His artistic touch shaped Toru's warm, friendly, and relatable presence.

What's next for Toru

Toru's mission is far-reaching. She will reach classrooms, communities, and homes through storybooks, animation, and interactive school programmes, all designed to promote environmental responsibility, health, and empathy.

Project Arodhya announced that Toru's first illustrated storybook will be published before the end of this year. Their full environmental learning series and animated episodes will follow in 2026.

Why Toru matters

The idea is simple yet powerful: if we don't nurture environmental responsibility from childhood, the future won't change.

Through storytelling and creativity, Toru will help young minds learn not through fear or facts alone, but through curiosity, kindness, and connection to the earth. "Toru is not just a cartoon," says Mohona. "She's a friend, a guide, and a whisper of change."

About Project Arodhya

Project Arodhya is a youth-led initiative focusing on environmental education, menstrual hygiene, and basic human rights. The project empowers young girls and underserved communities through education, eco-friendly practices, and advocacy, envisioning a future where sustainability and equality walk hand in hand.