Tiger Costumes, Powerful Message: Bengaluru Marks International Tiger Day with Grand Conservation Awareness Drive
Over 100 Participants Join Cultural Walk, Photography Exhibition to Inspire Wildlife Protection
Bengaluru, July 30: A vibrant display of tiger-themed costumes, wildlife photography and conservation messages transformed Bengaluru’s International Tiger Day celebrations into a powerful public awareness campaign, as the Art Cultural Educational Enlight Foundation (R) organised a unique cultural programme to highlight the urgent need to protect India’s national animal.
Led by the Foundation’s founder Smt. Ambika C, the organisation has been conducting tiger conservation awareness initiatives for the past seven years. Continuing that mission, this year’s celebration on Wednesday featured a cultural walk involving more than 100 participants dressed as tigers, along with a tiger photography exhibition that drew the attention of students, teachers and members of the public.
Creating Awareness Through Culture
The event focused on educating school and college students about the ecological importance of tigers and the responsibility of every citizen in safeguarding wildlife.
“We have been working continuously for the past seven years to spread awareness about tiger conservation. Through cultural programmes like these, we hope to inspire the younger generation to become protectors of nature and ensure that future generations inherit a healthy environment,” Ambika C said.
Deputy Director of Cubbon Park Smt. G. Kusuma urged students to understand the role of tigers in maintaining ecological balance. “Protecting tigers means protecting forests, biodiversity and the future of our planet. Every child can become an ambassador for wildlife conservation,” she said.
Experts Stress Collective Responsibility
The programme was attended by N. Narendrababu, Manager of Ravindra Kalakshetra, senior journalists Nataraj and K. Shanthakumari, B.A. Somasekhar, Secretary of Sri Gangadhareshwara English High School, Headmistress Smt. Uma G.R., senior wildlife photographer Shivakumar Natarajan, Advocate Ananth, and the staff of Sri Gangadhareshwara School. The dignitaries explained the significance of International Tiger Day and encouraged children to actively support conservation efforts.
Wildlife photographer Shivakumar Natarajan said, “Every photograph tells the story of a tiger’s struggle for survival. Conservation begins with awareness, and awareness begins with education.”
International Tiger Day, observed annually on July 29, seeks to promote global efforts to protect tigers and their habitats. India today is home to nearly 70 per cent of the world’s wild tiger population, reflecting the country’s sustained conservation efforts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his International Tiger Day message, said India takes pride in being home to nearly 70 per cent of the world’s wild tigers and described the achievement as a reflection of the nation’s deep-rooted conservation culture and commitment to protecting biodiversity.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, in his message on the occasion, called upon citizens, especially the youth, to work together to protect forests and wildlife, stressing that conservation is a shared responsibility essential for safeguarding the state’s rich natural heritage.
