The Science Centre, Sri Vijaya Puram, commemorated the birth anniversary of Dr. Salim Ali, one of India’s most celebrated ornithologists, by organising a birdwatching event that combined field learning with environmental education. Dr. Ali, fondly known as the “Birdman of India,” dedicated his life to studying India’s avian diversity and promoting conservation. The Science Centre’s initiative paid tribute to his legacy by introducing students to the vibrant birdlife of the Andaman Islands through an engaging outdoor experience at Chidyatapu, one of the region’s most biodiverse habitats.
The event, designed to cultivate curiosity and environmental consciousness among young participants, saw enthusiastic involvement from school students. Chidyatapu, known for its scenic beauty and rich avifauna, offered the ideal setting for the programme, allowing participants to observe various bird species in their natural environment. The field trip was structured to combine practical observation with guided learning, helping students understand not only how to identify different birds but also their ecological roles in maintaining biodiversity and balance.
During the session, experts accompanying the group introduced participants to the fundamentals of birdwatching, including visual identification, call recognition, and habitat study. The students learned to use observation techniques such as noting beak shape, plumage pattern, and feeding behaviour — skills essential for distinguishing species in the wild. These lessons brought to life the principles that Dr. Salim Ali himself championed throughout his career: patient observation, curiosity about the natural world, and respect for all forms of life.
The students successfully identified a diverse range of bird species, including the Hill Myna, Parrot, Kingfisher, Green Imperial Pigeon, Drongo, Dove, and Oriole, among others. For many participants, it was their first experience of seeing such birds outside textbooks or digital media, fostering a sense of wonder about the richness of local ecosystems. The experience also underscored the importance of Andaman’s forests and wetlands as vital habitats that sustain migratory and endemic bird populations.
To reinforce learning outcomes, a short field-based feedback test was conducted after the walk. This assessment encouraged students to recall species names, identify distinctive traits, and describe bird behaviour observed during the activity. Based on their performance, Kumari Saanvi Bhan of VKV Lamba Line secured the first prize, followed by Kumari Asma H of Sagritara School in second place, and Kumar T. Harshit of Nirmala Senior Secondary School in third. Kumari M. Swetha of RGT Public Vidyalaya received a consolation prize for her effort and keen observation. The recognition motivated students to continue exploring nature and expand their interest in wildlife studies.
The event went beyond competition, serving as an early platform for environmental education and citizen science. Organisers highlighted that field-based programmes like these complement classroom learning by helping students witness real-life ecological interactions. For many, such experiences can spark lifelong appreciation for nature and possibly inspire careers in conservation, research, or wildlife management.
The Science Centre’s initiative reflects a broader vision of environmental awareness that is gaining traction across educational institutions. Encouraging students to engage directly with biodiversity not only builds scientific temperament but also nurtures empathy for natural ecosystems increasingly threatened by human activity. Officials remarked that such community-level outreach is essential to sustain Andaman’s fragile ecological balance and to foster a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens.
The event concluded on an inspiring note, with participants reflecting on Dr. Salim Ali’s contribution to ornithology and the ongoing need for conservation initiatives. By transforming a birthday celebration into a hands-on learning experience, the Science Centre successfully honoured the spirit of Dr. Ali’s life work, turning curiosity into care for the natural world.
