DH NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, may 5
A powerful wave of environmental consciousness swept through Jammu today as hundreds of enthusiastic citizens including prominent personalities, NGOs, students, educators, and other concerned members of civil society, gathered under the chairmanship of Gulchain Singh Charak, former Minister and President Dogra Sadar Sabha, for the 23rd Annual “Save Birds, Save Water Day.” The impactful event was organized at the Sabha Bhawan, Dogra Hall, the adjacent Zanana Park and various other locations across the city.
Shri Charak, in his address, passionately urged attendees to uphold and propagate the enduring Dogra tradition of profound compassion for all living creatures. He poignantly highlighted the plight of voiceless birds and animals, particularly during the approaching intense summer heat. He cautioned that the rapid expansion of urban areas often comes at the expense of precious water resources, leaving birds in urban “concrete jungles” desperately seeking water. As a tangible gesture, he earnestly appealed to all citizens, educators, and students across educational institutions to embrace a simple yet vital practice: placing water in earthen pots on their terraces, fences, rooftops and hanging traditional ‘chhikkus’ from tree branches in their lawns and gardens throughout the summer months. He emphasized that this act of kindness would not only provide much-needed respite for thirsty birds but will also help in the revival and propagation of the age old Dogra tradition of feeding grains and water to the birds before partaking the meals.
The critical importance of water conservation resonated throughout the event, with speakers offering practical tips to minimize water wastage during everyday activities. A strong emphasis was placed on safeguarding the sanctity of rivers, canals, streams, and ponds by refraining from disposing of sewage, polythene, and garbage into these vital water bodies.
The day-long campaign witnessed insightful addresses from distinguished speakers including Former Advocate General D.C. Raina, G.A. Khwaja (Addl. Gen. Sec.), S. Arvinder Singh Amn (Addl. Gen. Sec.), Lt. Gen. R.K. Sharma, Col. Dr. Virendra K Sahi VrC (Retd), Gambhir Dev Singh Charak (I/C Youth Wing DSS), Besides, Maj. Gen. Sunita Kapoor VSM, Abdul Majid (President Muslim Federation), Amanat Ali Shah, Dr. Nasib Singh Manhas, Brig V S Dheman, Col. Rajinder Singh, Lt Col. O S Chauhan, Balwinder Singh, Dr. Raghbir Singh, Jagdeep Singh, Chhankar Singh , Madan Bhagat and others also participated in the function.
Earlier in the day, the audience was captivated by vibrant and culturally rich performances by students from Rich Harvest School, Bari Brahmana, and Dogra Higher Secondary School, Shastri Nagar, Jammu, all centered around the day’s crucial theme. Students representing various educational institutions, including Oriental Academy Higher Secondary School, Jammu Humanity Public School, Bassi Kalan, Dogra Degree College, Dogra College of Education, and Dogra Law College, Bari Brahmana, eloquently shared their perspectives through insightful talks and lectures. Members of the management Committees of Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Gandhi Nagar, Makka Masjid Bhatindi and Bhatindi Welfare Committee also participated. The Programme was compared by renowned radio and tv artist Ravi Kant Sharma.
Shri Charak, President DSS along with D.C Raina, former Advocate General J&K and Ladakh High Court, and other office bearers of the Sabha, honored the outstanding student performers with well-deserved awards. Symbolically marking the “Save Birds, Save Water” campaign, hundreds of earthen pots, pans, and ‘chhikkus’ were also distributed among the enthusiastic participants, commuters and pedestrians who were further encouraged to spread this vital message of humanity far and wide.
Following the distribution, a mass rally was taken out carrying banners, posters and placards on the theme. The participants actively hung the ‘chhikkus’ containing water-filled earthen pots on trees at various locations to visibly demonstrate their commitment to the cause.
