 Early Times Report
JAMMU, May 2: Dogra Sadar Sabha (DSS), in collaboration with Department of Forest, today, observed 24th “Save Birds, Save Water Day” at Dogra Hall, Zanana Park and various locations across the city, drawing hundreds of citizens — veterans, environmentalists, students, educators and civil society members — in a powerful collective affirmation of the Dogra ethos of compassion for all living beings.
Col. Karan Singh, President DSS, presided over the function, remembered his predecessor Late Th. Gulchain Singh Charak (Former Minister) who laid the foundation of this movement decades ago. His absence was profoundly felt; his ideals, more alive than ever. Singh also emphasised the necessity to care for nature and preserving water.
Working President Adv. Gambhir Dev Singh Charak, coordinated the whole event with the active support of Mr. Akhileshwar, Vice President, Youth Wing DSS. Charak while addressing the gathering urged the younger generation to internalise this movement as a way of life. “Placing water in an earthen pot, feeding grains to birds before you eat — these small, consistent acts, done by many, reshape civilisations,” he said, invoking the age-old Dogra tradition of feeding the voiceless before oneself. The Eminent Guest, Shri Anurag Arya, DFO Jammu emphasised the necessity to care for nature and preserving water. He also lauded the efforts of the Sabha and the organising committee.
In its annual tradition, the Sabha in collaboration with the Forest Department held a painting competition for school and college students on the theme of “Save Birds, Save Water”. Certificates of Merit were awarded on the spot by the eminent guests. The judges were Maj. Gen. Sunita Kapoor, VSM and Col. Dr. Virendra K. Sahi, VrC (Colleges); Shri G.A. Khwaja, Shri Narinder Singh Jamwal (Schools). The pride prize winners for schools were, Mahtab Singh of Dogra Higher Secondary School, Diviansh of S.D. Tarapuri, Snehal of Rich Harvest School, Raza Ali of Luthra Academy, Kinzel of Shiksha Niketan, Kiksha of Humanity Public School and Bargavie of Oriental Academy and for colleges were Mohid of Dogra Law College, Prairita of Dogra Degree College and Arti Charak of Dogra College of Education.
Hundreds of traditional earthen pots and chhikkus were distributed among the participants and passersby with an appeal to hang them at accessible spots and keep them filled with water throughout the summer — a simple, timeless act of mercy for birds navigating concrete jungles starved of natural water sources. The day culminated in a spirited city-wide rally with banners and placards, asserting that environmental stewardship is every citizen’s shared responsibility.
Distinguished speakers included Adv. H.C. Jalmeria, S. Arvinder Singh Amn, Abdul Majid (President, Muslim Federation), Sohail Kazmi (Eminent Journalist), Amanat Ali Shah, Randhir Singh (Renowned Educator), Akhileshwar Singh (Vice President, Youth Wing DSS), and Jammu di Chidi Heena Mahajan. Besides Dr. Raghbir, Jagdeep Singh, Master Chhankar, Madan Bhagat, Raja, Ravi Singh, Puran Chand, P.C. Gupta, Tarun Gupta, Ved Verma, Lokesh Singh, Bhavanyu Bhagat, Tanishq and other prominent citizens participated in the function. The proceedings of the event were conducted by Ms. Bhumi Thapar.
In its 24th unbroken year, this campaign endures as proof that the Dogra spirit of compassion — for the voiceless, the vulnerable, and the natural world — is not a relic of the past. It is a covenant renewed, year after year, at Dogra Hall. In the end, refreshments were distributed amongst the participating students. |
