A two-day “Nature Study and Sky Recognition” camp was organized by Durgapur-based social welfare organization Durgapur Adda Young Association (DAYA) at the Sushuniya Hills in Bankura with 19 students of their indigenous ‘Sinchon’ project along with members of the organization and their families.
The two-day camp was conducted on 13th and 14th February by Dr. Punarbasu Chowdhury, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, Calcutta University, Dr. Subarna Bhattacharya, Assistant Professor, School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University and Hon’ble Mr. Pradeep, President, Howrah Science Consciousness Coordination.
On the morning of 13th February, everyone was taught how to see, recognize and use a map. Using Opisometer instrument on map, how one can measure the distance between any two given place was taught by physical demonstration. How to use the compass to judge directions was also taught.
On the same day after lunch, slide making and observing their own slides under microscope was taught; this gave them the idea of cell.
Getting to know the sky began in the evening. Identification of the stars and constellations by means of telescope was indeed a lifetime experience for most.
Arjuna Award-winning Debashis Biswas and Malay Mukherjee, two climbers who climbed Mount Everest, arrived in Sushuniya at this time; from the two of them, we all have the opportunity to know various things about Everest expedition and mountaineering. It was indeed an icing on the cake for all of us.
On the morning of 14th February, all those who are interested in recognizing the plants, animals and insects of the surrounding nature, including the students of the Sinchon project, were taken to the “Nature Trail”. After that, the entire team went to witness one of the main attractions of Sushuniya, the historic ‘stone inscription’. Along the way everyone was introduced to various rare trees in the locality.
On the way to the inscription, the members noticed that there was a lot of plastic bags and containers left behind which polluted the environment as well as turned the hill full of such beautiful natural beauty into a pile of rubbish. The members all joined hands and cleaned all the plastic and thermocol bags, packets and dishes on both sides of the road.
The unique experience of being in a tent was superfluous. This two day camp enriched all with a unique experience.