25th Maharashtra Pakshimitra Sammelan. Mumbai January 13, 2012

Since twenty four years, ‘Maharashtra Pakshimitra Sammelan’ is being organised in different parts of Maharashtra with the aim of creating awareness about bird-observation and bird-conservation among the citizens. On the occasion of silver jubilee year, ‘Maharashtra Pakshimitra Sammelan’ is to be held in Mumbai for the first time at Sanjay Gandhi National Park at Borivali from 13th to 15th of January 2012. The event has been organised by Ashwamedh Pratishthan and is supported by more than thirty organisations from all over Maharashtra.

Mumbai, the financial capital of India, is blessed with abounding biodiversity. It is a habitat for nearly three hundred and fifty species of birds. But the growing urbanisation and environmentally unsound policies have severely affected the natural habitat. The safe existence of birds in Mumbai has become a matter of concern. In an effort to voice this issue, the 25th Sammelan is taking place in Mumbai.

‘Bird Biodiversity of Mumbai Metropolitan Region’ is the central theme of the event while ‘Habitat Change’, ‘Population Dynamics’, ‘Recent studies about birds’, ‘Migration issues’, ‘Bird Tourism’, ‘Community and Conservation’, ‘ Wildlife laws and Pet Trade’ are the sub-topics to be focussed on in the event. More than two-hundred bird-experts will register their presence and direct the event while various nature-friendly organisations and scholars will offer presentations on the above mentioned topics. This event is supported by more than 30 organisations that include Sanjay Gandhi National Park-Borivali, Bombay Natural History Society, Nature Lovers-Malad, Maharashtra Nature Park-Dharavi, HOPE-Thane, Sprout and Nisarga Mitra-Panvel.

Various other programs including drawing competitions for school students, photography competitions for youth, photography workshops and bird-observation programs for senior citizens are being arranged during the Sammelan. Also, being the 25th year, a series of special projects will be organised to create awareness about bird-conservation throughout the year in different parts of Maharashtra.

The registrations are open and taking place on ‘first come first served’ basis. The participation is limited to four hundred members from Mumbai and two hundred members for the participants from outside Mumbai. The registration fee is Rs. 800/- and is same for all the participants.
For further details: contact 81081 86442/9273145520 between 11am and 4pm. Office: Shri Avinash Kubal – 24079938/Telefax: 24079940.
The registration form can also be downloaded from the website www.25thpakshimitra.org

About the Event Logo: Being the first time in Mumbai, Shri Bibhas Amonkar was keen on making a logo that reflects the city of Mumbai and it’s bird life. Hence, the present logo was created after a deep study about the city. The logo consists of a picture of a flying owl in the centre of a black coloured arch. In the language of colours, black colour is considered to be a symbol of stability and firmness while the nocturnal owl represents the ever-active and busy life of Mumbai and the arch symbolises the heritage buildings in the city. Owls are actually believed to be a bad omen. In Indian society, there are various misconceptions about the bird and the black magicians seem to take disadvantage of these beliefs. But in reality, the owl has evolved to adapt to the constant pressures of this evergrowing city. This predator/hunter preys chiefly on the city’s rats in turn helping in keeping a check on the rat population. In mythological stories, the owl is referred to be the vehicle of Goddess Laxmi and a symbol of intelligence.

About Ashwamedh Pratishthan: Since eight years the organisation is working towards creating awareness about the importance of environment in the society. The organisation functions in rural areas of Kalyan and Murbad. Bio-diversity, conservation of Forts & Historical Relics, tree plantation & afforestation, Social
Upliftment of tribals living in remote areas, disaster management, Training & awareness camps are some of the issues handled by the organisation. A reference library on the topics like environment, history, etc has been set up by the organisation.