Green People Society Organizes a Grand Bird Festival
Udaipur / Jaipur, February 1: For the first time, the Green People Society (Jaipur Chapter) organized the Jaipur Bird Festival-2025 at Kanota Camp near Jamdoli. As part of Rajasthan’s ongoing bird festival series, this event brought together over 500 students, bird lovers, and conservation experts from across the country. The festival aimed to raise awareness about bird conservation and provide a firsthand experience of the diverse avian world.
The event was held in collaboration with the Forest Department, Tourism Department, Jaipur Development Authority (JDA), RIICO, and WWF India. The festival featured exhibitions, competitions, live demonstrations on butterflies and moths, and interactive sessions on wetlands and avian conservation.
Bird-Watching & Interactive Experiences for Children
Festival coordinator Retired IAS officer Vikram Singh highlighted the well-organized bird-watching activity at the waterbody near Kanota Camp. Renowned bird experts Virendra Singh Bedsa and Pradeep Joshi, along with officials from the Forest Department, guided students using binoculars and spotting scopes, making it an exciting and educational experience.
Children were thrilled to observe birds frolicking in the water, capturing their colors and behaviors. Adding to the fun, many students painted bird-themed tattoos using natural colors on their hands and faces. They were also provided with a student kit, bird identification booklet, cardboard nests, DIY kits, and caps as part of the festival’s outreach efforts.
Bird & Nature Exhibitions Draw Enthusiastic Crowds
The festival also showcased a photography and postal stamp exhibition focused on birds.
- Wildlife photographer Dr. Kamlesh Sharma from Udaipur displayed his exclusive collection of bird photographs.
- WWF India presented a unique raptor exhibition, drawing attention to the importance of conserving predatory birds.
- Philatelist Pushpa Khamesra from Udaipur exhibited her collection of bird-themed postage stamps from 354 countries, a rare and mesmerizing highlight.
Live Demonstration on Butterfly Life Cycle
Renowned butterfly expert Mukesh Panwar captivated the audience with a live demonstration of the butterfly and moth life cycle. Visitors, including students, guests, and conservationists, witnessed the entire transformation process—from eggs to larvae, pupae, and adult butterflies. The display of host plants with real butterfly eggs and caterpillars added an interactive touch to the learning experience.
Competitions Engage Young Minds
Students enthusiastically participated in painting and quiz competitions, divided into senior and junior categories.
- The painting contest saw young artists bringing vibrant bird species to life on canvas.
- The quiz competition tested participants’ knowledge of birds, wetlands, and environmental conservation.
These activities not only fostered creativity but also deepened awareness of avian ecology.
Expert Panel Discusses Wetlands & Bird Conservation
A panel discussion on wetlands and bird conservation was held, featuring leading experts:
- Ranjit Singh (Wildlife Expert & Retired IAS, Gujarat)
- Ravi Singh (WWF India Chief)
- Asad Rahmani (Bombay Natural History Society)
- Arijit Banerjee (Principal Chief Conservator of Forests)
- Ajit Singh (Former DGP, Rajasthan)
The panelists provided valuable insights into the current state of wetlands and bird species in Rajasthan. They emphasized the importance of awareness campaigns like the Bird Festival in engaging the public and protecting endangered avian species. The event also saw the release of WWF India’s latest conservation literature.
The session was presided over by Ravi Bhatanagar, conducted by Dr. Satish Sharma, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Vikram Singh.
Notable attendees included:
- Rajat Bhargava (BNHS Ornithologist)
- Rahul Bhatanagar (Green People Society & NTCA Member)
- Rajpal Singh, Manoj Kulshreshtha, VS Rana, Sohail Mazboor, Pratap Singh Chundawat
- Indrajeet Mathur, Sharad Saxena, DFO Sangram Singh Katiyar, Vijaypal Singh, Vipin Sharma, Bahadur Singh
- Hundreds of bird watchers, conservationists, and students from across the country.
Special Training for Educators & NGOs
As part of the festival, a special training workshop was conducted for teachers, trainers, and NGOs. Bangalore-based Ali Bird Organization provided training on human resource aspects related to bird conservation and ecological awareness.
Upcoming Attraction: Field Visit on World Wetlands Day
On February 2, World Wetlands Day, a field visit has been scheduled for 25-30 participants. The itinerary includes key wetland sites near Jaipur, such as:
- Barkheda-Chandlai-Muhana
- Sambhar Salt Lake
- Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur)
- Tal Chhapar (Churu)
This excursion will offer participants a hands-on experience in observing and understanding the importance of wetland ecosystems and bird conservation efforts.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
