The Panchayat Union Elementary School in Neermullikuttai village, near Vazhappadi, celebrated the birth anniversary of world renowned ornithologist Salim Ali by setting up an interpretation centre on birds on Wednesday.
The main objective of the initiative is to create awareness among the student community on the birds and their habits.
This is the first school in the district to get an interpretation centre on birds.
Since Salem district accounted for many hillocks and major water bodies, a large number of different types of birds from the neighbouring States and also from foreign countries visit the district frequently for mating.
V. Kalaiselvan, a teacher of the school, has evinced keen interest in studying the birds, their breeding habits, successful mating season etc.
He is also involved in the activities of creating awareness about the birds among school students.
The interpretation centre on birds has come in the school, thanks to his initiatives. A separate room was renovated in the school for the purpose of setting up the centre.
Photographs of more than 160 varieties of birds captured by Mr. Kalaiselvan in his camera decorate the interpretation centre.
Details of birds, spots they prefer to stay, their food and other habits have been mentioned about each and every bird.
M. Vasanthi, headmistress, presided over the function, and C. Ponnambalam, secretary of the Salem Historical Research Centre, declared the interpretation centre open.
Geeta Iyer, who is doing research on butterflies, and Chandrasekar, Forest Range Officer, Vazhappadi, who offered felicitations recalled the yeoman role played by late Salim Ali, popularly known as ‘Birdman of India’, for popularising ornithology in India.
They said Salim Ali was among the first Indians to conduct systematic bird survey across the country. He created the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
They also called upon the students to love pet animals and gain knowledge about their habits.
