World Sparrow Day at RMNH

Prizes distributed to winners of drawing and painting contest

Mysuru: Mysore Science Foundation (MSF) and Regional Museum of Natural History (RMNH), Mysuru, had jointly organised a drawing competition for children to mark ‘World Sparrow Day’ at RMNH premises on T.N. Pur Road in Siddarthanagar here on Sunday.

Over 400 children from across the district took part in the contest held in three categories —1st to 4th std; 5th to 8th std. and 9th to 12th std. — with the theme ‘Sparrow – The missing bird of the house.’ Winners were awarded cash prizes — First (Rs. 1,000), Second (Rs. 500) and consolation (Drawing kit).

Prize winners

1st to 4th std: Vedashri Valimbe (first); S. Kshith (second); Manasi, Lekhasiri M. Gowda, Atharva Adarsha, M. Pranathi and Harshika (consolation).

5th to 8th std:  G. Tanmay (first); J.S. Ruchira (second); M.A. Ankitha, S. Vaishnavi, S. Preethi, M. Aravind Acharya and S. Harikrishna (consolation).

9th to 12 std: Sanvi Harish (first); M.R. Bhoomika (second); S. Ullas Gowda (consolation).

Speaking after distributing prizes, senior Scientist and Distinguished Patron of Mysore Science Foundation, Dr. T. Thippeswamy said, “Sparrows aid in the conservation of environment. Its presence in the ecosystem is an indication of balanced biodiversity. In the name of urbanisation and development, trees and plants are being chopped down which has resulted in a decline in the sparrow population and are now on the verge of extinction.”

Pointing out that countries like Japan and Australia give more prominence for the conservation of biodiversity, he said that the sparrow population in those countries was more than in India.

RMNH Teacher Coordinator B.S. Yogendra  said “Sparrows which are also commonly called as house sparrows used to reside in colonies in almost every house. But now, these birds can be seen rarely. This is due to increase in urbanisation and modern lifestyle. Every one of us is either directly or indirectly involved in its absence.”

“Steps must be taken to create awareness among people to conserve sparrows. Increase in buildings, mobile towers, chemical agri fields are the main reasons for its absence,” he added.

RMNH chief and Scientist Dr. A.P. Tiwari presided. MSF Vice-President Dr. T. Shivalingaswamy, Drawing Teacher H.V. Muralidhara and others were present.