A fortnight-long commemoration of animal welfare programmes in Tata Steel Zoological Park started on Tuesday with the inaugural speech by Dr Kishore Oza, an eminent animal welfare activist of the city who emphasised the need to have compassion for all animals especially those found in the city roads and streets. He said that "Give unconditional love and you'll get love in return."
Stayajit Singh, IFS, Conservator of Forests, Jamshedpur Circle, who was the chief guest of the function shared his experience of rescuing wild animals and their proper rehabilitation in natural habitats. He said that people should inculcate empathy and compassion for their fellow beings and should not be cruel to them. Every being on the earth has its freedom to live its life in whole and we should respect the same.
later, students were divided into three groups. The elder group visited the zoo butterfly house along with Sanjay Mahato, Curator; the younger group was taken around the zoo by Zoo volunteers Jayashree Ram Mohan and Rahul Tiwary. The youngest group was made aware of the wild animals through touch and learn programme in the zoo information centre organised by Seema Rani. A total of 112 participants from three schools — little Wonder, Dhatkidih, NTTF Golmuri and a Madrasa school from Burmamines participated. NGO "Anwesha" from Sonari brought in 15 underprivileged students from the outhouses for participation in the programme.