SHEWings Foundation and UP State Biodiversity Board Celebrates Nature at Okhla

A collective observance of World Sparrow Day, Butterfly Awareness Day, and Spider Awareness Day draws students, conservationists, journalists, artists, and community members to one of the region’s most iconic natural habitats.

NOIDA, 30 March 2026 — SHEWings Foundation, in association with the Uttar Pradesh State Biodiversity Board, hosted a grand Collective Celebration of Biodiversity Awareness Days at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Noida. The event brought together participants of all ages to commemorate three important ecological observances — World Sparrow Day, Butterfly Awareness Day, and Spider Awareness Day — under the shared banner of environmental stewardship and conservation.

The event was graced by nature lovers, journalists, artists, school children and educationists. Okhla Bird Sanctuary, a cherished green lung of the Delhi-NCR region, provided an immersive natural backdrop for a full programme of educational and competitive activities. The event was designed to inspire hands-on engagement with local biodiversity rather than merely academic awareness.

Mukesh Sharma, Chairman of Prometheus School, addressed the audience by educating children about the importance of nature conservation. He highlighted that due to increasing urbanisation, a significant number of trees have been lost, which has consequently led to a decline in the population of birds. He emphasised the need to focus on nature and to learn effective ways to conserve it. He also encouraged simple yet impactful actions, such as turning off lights when not in use.

Event highlights included a Poster Making Competition that invited participants to express their conservation message through art, a Biodiversity Quiz Competition that tested ecological knowledge in an energetic and spirited atmosphere, and a Guided Nature Walk through the sanctuary’s trails — offering close encounters with native flora and fauna. Outstanding participants were recognised with prizes and certificates of appreciation.

Speaking at the event, Madan Mohit Bharadwaj, Founder of SHEWings Foundation, said, “We are deeply grateful to the Government of Uttar Pradesh for taking such a noble step in promoting environmental awareness and providing a nature-friendly space for future generations. We must engage children with nature rather than limiting their world to malls and video games.”

Pawan Yadav, Treasurer of FONRWA (Federation of Noida Residents Welfare Associations), expressed his delight at the turnout, stating that he was very pleased to see such a large number of children gathered to participate in the workshop organised by the UP Biodiversity Board.

Certificates of Appreciation were awarded by GST Officer Meenakshi Verma to the 1st Runner-up and 2nd Runner-up of the competition, formally recognised by both the SHEWings Foundation and the UP State Biodiversity Board. The event was hosted by Shivendra Pandey and Shreshtha Roy.

The initiative reflects the Noida Forest Department, the UP Biodiversity Board, and SHEWings Foundation’s ongoing commitment to weaving environmental consciousness into community life —encouraging citizens to look beyond the obvious and appreciate the intricate web of life that sustains us all. The partnership further strengthens the institutional framework for grassroots conservation efforts across the region.

ABOUT SHEWINGS FOUNDATION

SHEWings Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to environmental awareness, women’s empowerment, and community-led conservation initiatives. Through events, campaigns, and educational programmes, SHEWings works to build a greener, more equitable future.

ABOUT UP STATE BIODIVERSITY BOARD

The Uttar Pradesh State Biodiversity Board operates under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and is mandated to promote conservation, sustainable use, and equitable sharing of biological resources across the state of Uttar Pradesh.