2026-03-03

The valedictory ceremony of the Wings of Awareness programme was organized at Mount Mary Public School Maalam, signifying the culmination of the environmental learning initiative carried out in the school. The Wings of Awareness project is implemented by the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) with financial support from the Buimerc India Foundation. The programme focuses on fostering environmental sensitivity among students by engaging them in activities such as bird observation, nature study, and the documentation of local biodiversity.

The formal session began with a welcome address by student representative Estha Ann Joby, who warmly greeted the distinguished guests and participants. She welcomed the TIES team members – Mr. Ajaya Kumar M.N, Ms. Suhaana, and Ms. Naomi Mair, along with Principal Mrs. Shila, School Manager Rev. Fr. Sam Ottakallil, and the teachers and students present for the function.

Following the welcome, Rev. Fr. Sam Ottakallil delivered the inaugural address, where he emphasized the importance of developing environmental responsibility among young learners. He also appreciated the efforts of the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) for implementing such meaningful initiatives in schools with the support of Buimerc India Foundation.

The Valedictory Address was delivered by Mr. Ajaya Kumar M.N, bird-watching expert and member of the TIES team. In his speech, he reflected on the objectives and achievements of the programme and encouraged students to continue observing and documenting birds in their surroundings, thereby becoming active ambassadors for nature conservation.

As part of the recognition ceremony, the certificate of participation for the school was formally handed over to the School Manager Rev. Fr. Sam Ottakallil and Principal Mrs. Shila A.D, acknowledging the school’s active involvement in the project. This was followed by the distribution of the “Amateur Birder Certificate” to the top-performing student, Sooryajith Kishor, which was presented by Rev. Fr. Sam Ottakallil in recognition of the student’s excellent performance in the programme activities.

Subsequently, certificates of appreciation were presented to the teacher coordinators by Principal Mrs. Shila A.D, in recognition of their valuable support and coordination in successfully implementing the programme at the school level.

Adding to the occasion, Ms. Suhaana, Project Officer of Wings of Awareness, delivered a felicitation speech, expressing gratitude to the school management, teachers, and students for their enthusiastic participation and cooperation throughout the programme. She also acknowledged the continued support of Buimerc India Foundation and the collaborative efforts of TIES in making the initiative impactful.

The programme also included a student sharing session, during which participating students reflected on their experiences in the project and spoke about how the activities helped them develop a deeper appreciation for birds and local biodiversity.

The function concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Teacher Coordinator Mrs. Chichoottyy Joy, who expressed sincere appreciation to the TIES team, the Buimerc India Foundation, the school management, teachers, and students for their support in making the programme and the valedictory function a meaningful and memorable event