The students of Geography and Economics from the School of Tribal Resource Management (STRM) and the students of Zoology Department from the School of Comparative Indic Studies and Tribal Science (SCISTS) visited the Regional Museum of Natural History (RMNH), Bhubaneswar, to celebrate Wildlife Awareness on 7th January 2025. This significant event was organized by RMNH in collaboration with the Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Government of Odisha, as part of the 5th National Chilika Bird Festival. The program aimed to foster awareness about the rich biodiversity of Chilika Lake and promote wildlife conservation. Students gained insights into the unique biodiversity of Chilika, including fascinating species such as the Irrawaddy dolphin, turtles, and other wildlife inhabiting the region. The event also provided an opportunity to explore Odisha’s diverse natural heritage and ecological significance.

The students participated in various engaging activities, including Film Screening: Educational wildlife films curated by the Odisha Forest Department,  Museum Visit: An interactive tour of the Regional Museum of Natural History and an Interactive Session: Discussion with Mr. Rajkishor Swain, Scientist at RMNH, along with the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) and experts from the Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Government of Odisha.

These activities helped the students deepen their understanding of biodiversity and conservation efforts in Odisha. The visit was accompanied by faculty members Dr. Arpana Premi Lina Oraon, Dean, STRM, Dr. SwetaArora, Head of the Department, Zoology and Dr. Sanjeeta Devi, Assistant Professor Economics, KISS-DU.

This visit was a remarkable opportunity for students to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world ecological and conservation efforts, enhancing their understanding of wildlife preservation and the importance of biodiversity in Odisha.