KOIDE, March 21: The Koide Youth and Students’ Organisation (KYSO) brought together the community in unison to mark the fifth annual Bauhinia Festival, a spirited tree plantation initiative where each citizen pledged to adopt a Bauhinia tree—symbols of resilience and hope for the future.

Volunteers, comprising youth leaders, students, and nature advocates, came together to honor the profound connection between the environment and cultural identity. The festival featured an enlightening keynote address from Monesh Singh Tomar, Senior Field Officer at the Wildlife Crime Control Division of the Wildlife Trust of India, who delivered a captivating PEP (Participation, Education, Partnership) talk on the vital role of biodiversity conservation.

Tomar’s engaging insights explored the deep-rooted relationship between preserving nature and nurturing cultural heritage, challenging attendees to recognize their role as guardians of both. “Biodiversity is not just about preserving species; it’s woven into the cultural fabric of our communities,” he asserted, weaving in personal stories from his work that highlighted the urgent need for proactive stewardship.

His passionate call to action resonated throughout the crowd as he implored participants to embrace their responsibilities as “green stewards.” “Our villages, with their rich cultural histories, are at risk of becoming mere shadows in a world driven by convenience,” he warned, evoking a sense of urgency for community engagement in conservation.

Following Tomar’s motivating address, attendees enthusiastically participated in the tree-planting session, with each citizen committing to care for their own Bauhinia tree. With roots planted and pledges made, the spirit of resilience continues to thrive in Koide, illuminating a hopeful path for generations to come.

Now in its fifth year, the Bauhinia Festival has blossomed into a hallmark event for the Koide community, illustrating the profound impact of collective action toward a sustainable future. Through this initiative, KYSO continues to inspire current and future generations to protect the environment while honoring their cultural legacy.