Chandigarh, May 31, 2026: The Environment Society of India (ESI), Chandigarh, in association with the Environment Department, Chandigarh Administration, organized a special programme to celebrate World Parrot Day and the International Day for Biological Diversity at the Bird Sanctuary, Sector 21, Chandigarh.
Shri Anup Kumar Soni, Conservator of Forests and Wildlife, Chandigarh Administration, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Despite intermittent rain, students and teachers from various schools participated enthusiastically.
Welcoming the participants, Env. N.K. Jhingan, Secretary, ESI, highlighted the historical significance of the Bird Sanctuary and the Society's role in promoting parrot conservation. He informed that ESI has been organizing World Parrot Day regularly to create awareness about the conservation of parrots and their habitats. He also informed that ESI is celebrating its Golden Jubilee Year in 2026, marking fifty years of dedicated service towards environmental conservation and public awareness.
Mrs. Anjali Kapoor, Retired Vice Principal and active member of the Society, spoke on the importance of biodiversity conservation and encouraged students to become ambassadors of environmental protection.
In his keynote address, Shri Anup Kumar Soni emphasized the need to protect nature and wildlife. He educated students about different species of parrots and appealed to the public not to keep birds in cages, stressing the importance of protecting their natural habitats.
A conservation rally was organized within and around the sanctuary. Students displayed colourful placards carrying messages on biodiversity conservation, bird protection and environmental sustainability. Participants also installed earthen water pots for birds and took a pledge to reduce single-use plastic and adopt eco-friendly lifestyles.
The programme featured creative activities including a functional parrot model presented by Ms. Paramjeet and a poem on nature conservation by Ms. Aryaveer Khosla of St. Xavier's School. Students preparing the best slogans and placards were honoured by the Chief Guest.
Among those present were Dr. Ravinder Nath, Treasurer, ESI; Er. Ashok Bansal; Sh. K.L. Sachdeva; Ms. Ritu Khosla; and Ms. Shashi Jhingan. Mrs. Anu Bala, Lecturer, GMSSS Sector 33-D, proposed the vote of thanks.