The various species of birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit the Raj Bhavan have found a place in ‘The Fauna of Raj Bhavan,' a book authored by K. Vivekanandan, deputy secretary to the Governor.
Released here on Saturday by Governor Surjit Singh Barnala, the book contains detailed descriptions of the fauna of the estate, especially the 109 species found during the June to December period.
The book is based on a survey conducted by a group of experts, including students of Loyola College with the support of Zoological Survey of India and guidance from the officials of the Forest Department, at Raj Bhavan in Chennai and Udagamandalam.
Apart from pictures and fact files on the extensive biodiversity, it contains baseline information for future research into the conservation of these species. Agriculture scientist M.S. Swaminathan and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Madras G. Thiruvasagam received the first copies of the book. At another event in Raj Bhavan, seven persons, who have served for more than 25 years with Indian Red Cross Society (Tamil Nadu Branch), were honoured by Mr.Barnala. He presented them mementoes and certificates. The awardees are R. Viswanathan, K. Vijayalakshmi, C. Mani, A. Prathapkumar, J. Jesiah, J. Kalavathy and M.V. Venkatesalu.
Harish L. Mehta, vice-president, India Red Cross Society (Tamil Nadu Branch), said that though hospitals are catching up with improvements in infrastructure, the lack of trained personnel to provide medical services was a matter of concern.
Coffee table book
A coffee table book ‘Raj Bhavan Tamil Nadu Annual Events-2010' with details on the various constitutional functions, university functions, socio-cultural events, welfare programmes and visits of dignitaries hosted by Raj Bhavan last year was released by the Governor. A bimonthly calendar for the year 2011 that contains the paintings by the Governor was also released on the occasion.
