Mayank Foundation's Nature Camp inspires 50+ students at Hussainiwala Wetland

HARISH MONGA

Ferozepur, November 19, 2024: The Mayank Foundation successfully concluded its highly enriching 3-day Nature Camp at the serene Hussaini Wala Wetland in Ferozepur under the aegis of Punjab State Council for Science & Technology Sponsored by the Ministry of Environment, Forest& Climate Change- Government of India, bringing together over 50 students from government schools, private schools, colleges, and SBS State University. The camp, held from 15-17 November, provided participants with an opportunity to engage in wildlife conservation, environmental education, and personal development while connecting with nature in a meaningful way. 

 The camp was inaugurated with an engaging Welcome Session by Deepak Sharma, Founder of the Mayank Foundation, and Ashwani Sharma, Project Coordinator. They introduced the core objectives of the camp, emphasising the importance of sustainable living, eco-friendly practices, and fostering a deeper connection with the environment. The session also set the tone for the upcoming educational sessions, hands-on activities, and team-building exercises.

 Day 1 started with an insightful session by Dr Vandana Naithani, a renowned expert in wildlife conservation and natural history, who provided a detailed overview of India’s forest types, habitats, and protected areas. She discussed the critical importance of protecting biodiversity and the role of conservation in maintaining ecological balance. Later, Dr Rameshwar Singh, a historian, shared fascinating insights into the historical and cultural significance of the Sutlej River and Hussaini Wala Wetland, making the campers appreciate the deep connection between nature and history.  

Day 2 featured an exciting bird-watching session led by Manish Ahuja, an ornithologist, who guided participants through the wetland to observe local and migratory birds. Students were able to use high-resolution binoculars to identify various bird species and learn about their behaviour and ecological significance. In the afternoon, Ahuja also conducted a wildlife photography workshop, teaching campers how to capture nature’s beauty and showcasing the rich birdlife of Punjab. 

The day’s session on Floral Waste Management by Dr Rajan Sharma and Prof. Mini Sharma from GNDU Amritsar and Guru Nanak Dev University demonstrated how to create eco-friendly incense sticks from floral waste, promoting sustainability and waste reduction.

Pre-lunch focused on sustainable waste management and organic farming, with a hands-on demonstration of Vermi-Composting and Kitchen Gardening. Dr Swarndeep Singh Hundal explained the science of vermicomposting, emphasizing its environmental benefits and the use of earthworms to recycle organic waste into nutrient-rich compost.  Ajay demonstrated how to set up a simple vermicomposting system, guiding participants through the process of creating compost bins and applying vermicompost to kitchen gardens. The session empowered participants with practical skills to manage waste and grow organic food sustainably at home.

 Gurpreet Singh, an environmental & Science expert, addressed the harmful impacts of stubble burning on nature, explaining how this practice contributes to air pollution and ecosystem degradation. Charanjeet Singh Chahal, an expert in National Integration and Scouting, led a thought-provoking session on the role of youth in fostering national unity, scouting, and community development, encouraging students to contribute positively to society.

In the evening, participants visited JCP Hussaini Wala, witnessing the Retreat Ceremony performed by the BSF, followed by a visit to the BSF Museum and a tribute at the Hussaini Wala National Martyrs Memorial, where they paid homage to the martyrs Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev.

 Day 3 started with a yoga session by Rajiv Setia and Deepak Mathpal, helping campers relax and focus on their well-being. This was followed by a Cleanliness Drive where all campers contributed to maintaining the pristine environment of the wetland. 

 The day’s educational activities included an exciting science demonstration by Dr. Jaswinder Singh, National Awardee, who engaged students with experiments on ion exchange, friction, vacuum, and air pressure, helping them understand fundamental physical principles. 

Ashwani Sharma, Project Coordinator, led a confidence-building and Personality Development workshop, where students learned valuable life skills such as self-confidence, communication, and leadership. 

The camp witnessed a hands-on workshop on building bird nests by Bittu Lehri, an environmentalist. He guided campers in constructing artificial nests from natural materials, promoting conservation efforts for local bird species. 

The Valedictory Ceremony was presided over by Dr Anirudh Gupta, President of the Mayank Foundation, who congratulated the campers for their active participation and emphasized the importance of applying the knowledge gained during the camp in everyday life to contribute to environmental and social well-being. He encouraged students to become ambassadors of conservation and to continue their efforts in preserving nature. Throughout the camp, the students were immersed in the beauty of nature, surrounded by the rich biodiversity of the Hussaini Wala Wetland, and guided by a team of esteemed resource persons. The experience left everyone feeling inspired to protect the environment, build a sustainable future, and embrace eco-friendly practices in their daily lives. 

Mayank Foundation remains committed to nurturing a generation of environmentally-conscious individuals, empowering them to lead the way in conservation and sustainability.