New Delhi: A lush green lawn in Sanjay Van transformed into a lively storytelling arena on Saturday morning, where children, their parents other nature lovers participated in quizzes on birds and animals.Nature educator and author Peeyush Sekhsaria engaged the audience by offering clues about various species of plants and animals. He recited a rhyme describing a bird — the Grey Francolin — known for its earthy, mottled plumage that provides excellent camouflage in arid and scrubland habitat.He explained how the bird lays its eggs under hidden, dry ground, far from water sources, while the male is believed to carry water in its feathers for the chicks. A parent’s wild guess turned out to be the correct answer, drawing smiles from the participants.Similar scenes unfolded across different corners of Peacock Hills in Sanjay Van, near the Qutab Institutional Area, as the space came alive with laughter and conversation.Hundreds of people from diverse walks of life came together to mark Earth Hour successful in their own meaningful way while reconnecting with nature.Set against the ecologically rich backdrop of the Aravali range, the event, “Give One Hour for the Earth,” was organised by WWF-India in collaboration with the Delhi Development Authority.It offered a wide range of immersive activities. The event included guided nature walks, a macro photography workshop, sessions on butterfly behaviour, wildlife tracking experiences, and yoga amid nature.For schoolchildren — with participation from around five schools — youth-centric creative engagements such as stone painting and journaling proved popular.“Can you see a beagle dog painted on my stone?” a young girl asked excitedly, moving on to paint another animal on a different stone.Among the participants were Bharti Rawat and Nikki Gautam, residents of Lajpat Nagar and students of public health at Dr BR Ambedkar University, Delhi. Their skill was evident in the intricate designs they painted on stones. “We were asked to draw anything we observed here or related to nature. I have drawn a turtle. I love attending such events, and I came to know about this one through social media,” Rawat said.Officials from DDA said the event exemplifies how such spaces can bring communities together in meaningful ways. “It encourages people to slow down, observe, and reconnect with nature,” an official said.Participants also had the opportunity to engage with experts and naturalists through curated sessions.Wildlife illustrator Richa Kedia said that even five-year-olds were painting vibrant leaves while listening to birdsong. “I keep coming for such interactive sessions with WWF because it is an opportunity to look beyond the rigid, screen-driven knowledge of computers and social media. I also share anecdotes from my nature trips across the country. Unlike other years, the weather is pleasant today, which is why people are staying longer to join the sessions. It’s an opportunity to breathe clean air and cherish nature rather than scrolling through a phone,” she said.Another highlight of the event was an exhibition on mobile raptors, showcasing India’s birds of prey and raising awareness about their conservation challenges. The event also featured a dedicated reading corner and interactive sessions such as “nature through games”, fostering environmental awareness among participants of all ages.Karan Bhalla, COO of WWF-India, said: “This Earth Hour, we want to go beyond the symbolic act of switching off lights and create an opportunity for people to reconnect with nature in a meaningful way. The overwhelming response to the Sanjay Van Earth Hour Mahotsav shows that citizens are eager to engage, learn and contribute towards conservation.”
