2025-12-04

A vibrant media interaction session was held in Kottayam as part of Wings of Awareness, the ongoing bird conservation education initiative jointly implemented by Buimerc India Foundation and the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES). The event brought together the programme’s top-performing students and their teachers for an engaging dialogue on their field experiences, learnings, and the impact the initiative has created within their schools.

The panel featured Mr. R. Balachandran, Chairperson of Buimerc India Foundation, who spoke about the broader vision behind Wings of Awareness and the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing young naturalists. Dr. Punnen Kurian, Director of TIES, provided an overview of the programme’s progress, highlighting how outdoor learning and digital documentation have strengthened students’ ecological understanding. Mr. Vinayarajan also participated in the panel discussion representing Buimerc India Foundation. Ms. Thulasi Varma and Ms. Geethumol were present at the programme as representatives of Buimerc India Foundation. Mr. Sarath Babu N. B., Nature Education Officer, TIES and Ms. Suhaana, Project Officer for the Wings of Awareness programme, were also present at the function representing TIES.

Twelve outstanding students from partner schools participated in the session along with their teachers. These included Dakshin Shankar from Crossroads School, Pampady, with teacher Saramma V. P.; Ameya Dileep and Harigovindh R. from Mattakkara HSS with teacher Sandeep S. Nair; Jude J. Mathews and Adinadh T. A. from St. Mary’s HSS, Bharananganam with teacher Siji Abraham; Akshatha Reji, Christina Maria Joseph, and Harsha T. H. from AKJM HS, Kanjirappally with teacher Siju V. N.; Raghunandhan P. and Irene Sara Gracious from Excelsior English School, Illickal with teachers Preeja S. Prabha and Sajana; and Aradhana Ajesh and Dhiya K. Shiju from Government UPS Velluthuruthy, accompanied by teacher Nisha Raj and Headmistress Reena Manmadhan.

During the interaction, students described how the programme encouraged them to step away from screens and spend more time observing birds in their surroundings. Many spoke about the excitement of spotting species for the first time, documenting their observations on the CROW digital platform, and taking part in collaborative field sessions that deepened their appreciation of local biodiversity. Teachers shared their perspectives as well, noting meaningful behavioural changes among the students, including increased curiosity, attentiveness, and a stronger interest in exploring nature. They emphasized that blending field-based learning with digital tools has significantly enhanced scientific thinking among the participants.

Members of the media interacted directly with the students, asking about their most memorable sightings, challenges encountered in the field, and how the initiative has influenced their academic and personal growth. The students’ candid responses offered a genuine reflection of the programme’s positive impact.

The session concluded with acknowledgements from Buimerc India Foundation and TIES, reaffirming their shared commitment to expanding the initiative and empowering more young learners to become ambassadors of bird conservation.