By OUR STAFF REPORTER
DEHRADUN, 25 Feb: In remembrance of the Pulwama Martyrs and as a humble contribution towards the welfare of their families, Dehradun Zoo, in collaboration with the Forest Department, SPECS (Society of Pollution and Environmental Conservation Scientists) and JOY (Just Open Yourself), organised a series of activities that were well attended.
Uttarakhand Council for Science and Technology Director General Dr Rajendra Dobhal, who visited the Zoo to witness the activities, asserted that there could be no better way to offer tribute to the martyrs than by making the young undertake positive activities and also offering the proceeds to the welfare of martyrs’ families.
Zoo Director PK Patro was moved by the sacrifices of the Pulwama Martyrs, which included three from Uttarakhand. He said organising the series of activities for children was their way to pay tribute. The entire proceeds of the day would go to the welfare of martyrs’ families. He disclosed that the Zoo was a big hit, as Doonites and also a large number of tourists visited, particularly during weekends. He also put on display various items made by him from waste material.
The activities included Pottery making, Painting Competition, Self Defence training, Make Your Own LED bulbs, Clay Modeling, Miracle with science, Puppetry and live performances by Signature and D Bands.
Several of the children made clay models. A large number of children made LED bulbs on the spot by fixing all its parts and, subsequently, took them home. The painting competition revealed the school children’s love and respect for the martyrs.
Bhumesh Bharti put up photographs clicked by him for display, while Ashleen Kaur had on sale various daily use items made from waste material. Jitendra Bhatnagar put up a stall informing visitors about science behind miracles. Arpit, who led the Signature Band, brought the visitors to tears through his patriotic songs in memory of Pulwama martyrs. Prachi put up her Madhubani paintings. Ram Teerth Maurya from SPECS informed the students about LED bulb making. The hydroponics stalls apprised the visitors about growing plants without soil. Nitesh guided the students in self defence.
Dr Brijmohan Sharma, Secretary, Society of Pollution and Environmental Conservation Scientists, said, “We don’t want to be restricted to just customary lighting of lamps but have undertaken this convergence by conducting a series of activities for children as part of the tribute.” Jay from JOY said the enthusiasm shown by the youngsters amply revealed the sense of respect among the people towards martyrs and their families.
