The students from REEF planned several awareness activities as part of the Leave Me Alone campaign that spanned over a week. They began with a college-level debate on July 24 and 25. The topics chosen were ‘Tigers vs Tourism' and ‘Tigers vs Tribals' which centered around the current scenario of man-animal conflict that is being faced in the country. The students were eager to participate and put forward their views and ideas.
The students from REEF came together to create a five-minute speech on the importance of tiger conservation and the rationale of the Leave Me Alone campaign. It was aired on All India Radio- Nagpur on July 26 and 29 to spread awareness amongst the common people on how they can contribute to the cause.
On July 28, a nature trail was organised for students from different colleges and schools. Over 40 students participated in this trail, which was held at Raj Bhavan, one of the greenest patches in the heart of Nagpur city. The students got a chance to visit the beautiful butterfly park created within the premises along with observing a wide variety of flora and fauna. They were spoken to about the importance of nature, its intrinsic link to the tiger and the need to protect it.
The students also conducted awareness exercises on their college campus by putting up large message boards for fellow students to sign and leave messages for the Prime Minister. The petition was also circulated amongst the students who pledged their support to the tiger's cause. The petition signing campaign continued to Maharaj Bagh, an area of Nagpur thronged by wildlife lovers residing in and around Nagpur. The REEF volunteers briefed them on the tiger's current situation and the campaign's rationale. Over 1,000 signatures were collected in two days.
On July 29, Global Tiger Day, the REEF students organised a day of activities for the students of their college beginning with a talk on tigers and the increasing frequency of man-animal conflict around national parks. Dr. Bahar Baviskar, Director of Wild-CER, spoke to the students about his work with wild animals and suggested steps for the layman to help in wildlife conservation. The film The Truth About Tigers, was also screened for the students.
The REEF students conducted these events with a great deal of energy and enthusiasm which rubbed off on the students in their college and other people who participated in the events.
Source: Sanctuary Asia.
