2026-03-27

The vibrant campus of Muslim Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Erattupetta, recently played host to a memorable valedictory function marking the successful conclusion of "Wings of Awareness." This amateur bird-watching project, implemented by the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) and supported by the Buimerc India Foundation, has left a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of the young participants. Before the official ceremony commenced, a post-project survey was conducted for both students and teachers, providing a valuable platform to assess the growth in environmental literacy and the practical skills acquired throughout the program’s duration.

The event began with a soulful prayer by student Dhalfa Yaseen, followed by a warm and articulate welcome speech by student Farsana Fairooz, who greeted the esteemed guests and the school community. The inaugural address was delivered by the Headmistress, Mrs. Leena MP, who spoke with great pride about the overwhelming enthusiasm shown by the students. She noted how the project had transformed the school’s atmosphere into one of curiosity and scientific inquiry. Mrs. Leena congratulated the top performers and extended her sincere appreciation to TIES and the Buimerc India Foundation for bringing such an impactful and hands-on conservation project to their institution.

The valedictory address was delivered by Dr. Punnen Kurian, Director of TIES, who highlighted the positive outcomes and the long-term ecological impact of the "Wings of Awareness" initiative. He encouraged the students to look beyond the project and continue observing nature as a lifelong habit, emphasizing that every small observation contributes to the larger goal of conservation. Following his speech, Dr. Kurian formally handed over the official project report and a commemorative school memento to the Headmistress. The recognition of excellence followed, with Mr. Sarath Babu (Nature Education Officer, TIES) distributing certificates to the top-performing students, while the Headmistress presented Certificates of Appreciation to the Teacher Coordinators for their tireless support.

The ceremony took a personal turn as students took the stage to share their reflections. They spoke movingly about their journey—from learning to identify common backyard birds to understanding the complex beauty of ecosystems—noting how the project had deepened their connection to the environment. In her felicitation speech, Ms. Suhaana (Project Officer, TIES) spoke highly of the students’ efforts, which made the project a grand success. She wished them the very best for their future endeavors and urged them to remain "ambassadors for nature" by continuing their bird-watching journeys. The program concluded on a high note with a thoughtful vote of thanks delivered by student Fahmidha Navas, marking the end of a successful chapter in the school’s environmental education journey.