As a part of my Pragati program, we recently took a group of kids(age group of 6 to 15) from Aloobari village, on a visit to the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park famously know as Darjeeling zoo and for a small dry picnic in Shrubbery park. This program was aimed at providing these kids with a
fun and educational experience while they get a chance to step out of their villages and experience the world beyond.
The visit to the Darjeeling zoo was an exciting and educational experience for the kids. This is the only specialized Zoo in the country and is internationally recognized for its conservation breeding programmes of Red Panda, Snow Leopards, Tibetan Wolf and other highly endangered animal species of Eastern Himalaya. They got to see a wide variety of animals and were thrilled to see these animals up close and got to learn about their habits and habitats. The zoo also had a section on endangered species, and this was a great opportunity for the kids to learn about the importance of conservation and the need to protect these animals.
After the visit to the zoo, we headed to Shrubbery park for a small dry picnic with the meals that were prepared by Pragati Yodhas. The park was a peaceful and serene place surrounded by beautiful gardens. The kids got to run around and play games, and the Yodhas also organized a small quiz competition on the animals they saw at the zoo. This was a great way for them to recall what they learned and also test their knowledge.
Overall, the visit to Darjeeling zoo and Shrubbery park was a memorable experience for these kids. They got to step out of their comfort zones and experience new things, and they also got to learn about the importance of conservation and protecting our wildlife. This experience has left a lasting impact on these kids, and they will carry this knowledge with them for the rest of their lives. The whole event was organised and executed by the Pragati Yodhas who are the leading force in the village.
We believe that events like this are crucial in providing children with an all-round education and exposure to the world beyond their villages. These experiences help to broaden their perspectives and inspire them to dream big and strive for a better future.