The action begins

This photo exhibition cum awareness programme – Celebrating Bio-diversity of India – was organised by the NGO Tiger Action Force (TAF) at Balgandharva Rangmandir on July 10 and 11 to celebrate the International Year of Bio-diversity. TAF believes that this is just a small beginning for a cause that they have committed themselves to. Speaking more about it,Gaurav Mahajan,one of the founding members of TAF,says,“The two-day event mainly comprised a photo exhibition,that showcased not just the various endangered species of plants and animals,but also had separate sections on important insects and the various connecting links for the different food chains. All this to explain to people the importance of even little insects in the world.”

Partnering along with TAF were two other NGOs – Sprouts and JIVIDHA. Speaking about their participation,Anand Pendharkar of Sprouts says,“We mostly aim at aiding the rehabilitation of tribals from places in Rajasthan. For instance,we are selling handicrafts here which are made by members of the Moghaya tribe,who are basically a hunting tribe. As we help them find an alternate livelihood,they in turn give up on hunting as a profession,thereby preserving the environment.”

The exhibition also had two lectures on ‘India’s Biodiversity’ by Rajiv Pandit (founder president of JIVIDHA) on July 10 and ‘Wildlife Conservation’ by Santosh Shintre on July 11. Pandit says,“India is actually a bio-diversity super power. This can be gauged from the fact that the country has close to eight per cent of the world’s total flora and fauna. So it is of extreme importance to bring about an awareness regarding the same,especially amongst youngsters so that they don’t end up vandalising it.”

The two-day event also had the documentary,Truth About Tigers,being screened by members of TAF. “In the near future,we aim to hold more such seminars in schools and colleges to help youngsters understand the various problems plaguing our environment. This is in addition to developing a system through which we will be able to support forests,tribals,and forest guards in the state,” says Mahajan.