Sanjay Van Earth Hour Mahotsav Unites Community Through Nature Activities
On a vibrant Saturday morning, the lush green expanse of Sanjay Van in New Delhi transformed into a bustling hub of environmental engagement. Hundreds of participants, including children, parents, and nature enthusiasts, converged to celebrate Earth Hour in a unique and immersive manner. The event, titled "Give One Hour for the Earth," was organized by WWF-India in collaboration with the Delhi Development Authority, set against the ecologically rich backdrop of the Aravali range.
Interactive Sessions and Educational Activities
Nature educator and author Peeyush Sekhsaria captivated the audience with engaging quizzes on birds and animals. He recited a descriptive rhyme about the Grey Francolin, a bird known for its earthy, mottled plumage that provides excellent camouflage in arid and scrubland habitats. Sekhsaria explained fascinating behaviors, such as how the bird lays eggs in hidden, dry ground away from water sources, with the male believed to carry water in its feathers for the chicks. A parent's correct guess brought smiles and applause, highlighting the interactive spirit of the event.
Similar lively scenes unfolded across Peacock Hills in Sanjay Van, near the Qutab Institutional Area, as laughter and conversation filled the air. The event offered a diverse array of activities designed to reconnect people with nature. Guided nature walks allowed participants to explore the local flora and fauna, while a macro photography workshop provided insights into capturing the minute details of the environment. Sessions on butterfly behavior and wildlife tracking offered hands-on learning experiences, and yoga amid nature promoted wellness and mindfulness.
Creative Engagements for All Ages
For schoolchildren, with participation from around five schools, youth-centric activities like stone painting and journaling proved highly popular. A young girl excitedly showcased her artwork, asking, "Can you see a beagle dog painted on my stone?" before moving on to paint another animal. Participants such as Bharti Rawat and Nikki Gautam, residents of Lajpat Nagar and students of public health at Dr BR Ambedkar University, Delhi, displayed their skills through intricate stone paintings. Rawat shared, "We were asked to draw anything we observed here or related to nature. I have drawn a turtle. I love attending such events, and I came to know about this one through social media."
Wildlife illustrator Richa Kedia noted that even five-year-olds were painting vibrant leaves while listening to birdsong. She emphasized the value of such events, stating, "I keep coming for these interactive sessions with WWF because it offers a chance to look beyond screen-driven knowledge. I share anecdotes from my nature trips across the country. Unlike other years, the pleasant weather today has encouraged people to stay longer and engage deeply. It's an opportunity to breathe clean air and cherish nature rather than scrolling through a phone."
Conservation Awareness and Community Impact
The event also featured an exhibition on mobile raptors, showcasing India's birds of prey and raising awareness about their conservation challenges. A dedicated reading corner and interactive sessions like "nature through games" further fostered environmental awareness among participants of all ages. Officials from the Delhi Development Authority highlighted how such spaces can bring communities together in meaningful ways. An official remarked, "It encourages people to slow down, observe, and reconnect with nature."
Karan Bhalla, COO of WWF-India, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "This Earth Hour, we aimed to go beyond the symbolic act of switching off lights and create an opportunity for people to reconnect with nature meaningfully. The overwhelming response to the Sanjay Van Earth Hour Mahotsav demonstrates that citizens are eager to engage, learn, and contribute towards conservation efforts."
The event successfully blended education, creativity, and community spirit, offering a refreshing break from urban routines and promoting a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Through curated sessions with experts and naturalists, participants gained valuable insights into wildlife and environmental stewardship, making it a memorable and impactful celebration of Earth Hour.
