Exploring the Wilderness: Believers Church Medical College Students Attend Wildlife Nature Study Camp in Periyar Tiger Reserve

Believers Church Medical College Hospital students had the privilege of participating in a wildlife nature study camp in Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady, on 30th June 2023. The Department of Forestry and Wildlife, in association with the Pranah-nature club, organized the event, and 40 students had the opportunity to attend it.

The students were grateful to the honorable Forest Minister Shri A. K. Saseendran for giving them this opportunity. They also thanked Believers NRC NCD for allowing them to be a part of the van mahotsav program. The study visit was made possible by the joint efforts of Dhruva College Union and the students of the 2020 Aroha batch.

Dr. Joji Joshua Philipose, Registrar and HOD of the department of Orthopedics, and Dr. Roshin Mary Varkey, HOD, PMR, accompanied the students during the visit. Dr. Joji, who is himself a nature enthusiast and adventurer, guided the students during the visit. Mr. Ashok, range officer, social forestry, accompanied the team throughout the camp.

During their visit, the students participated in the state inauguration ceremony of van mahotsav 2023. They participated in various events, including a public meeting, a seminar on man-animal conflict, climate change, and eco-development measures. These were led by eminent faculty, including Shri Bennichan Thomas, the PCCF and Head of Forest Force (HoFF), and Prof P O Nameer (Dean, KAU).

The forest officials arranged a special forest trek and boating in the mullaperiayar dam reservoir, where the students saw a diverse range of wildlife such as elephants, Gaur, wild boar, Barking deer, Darters, Shags, Cormorants, and many more.

The following day, in the morning, the students were taken for a bird-watching session where they identified many species, including crested serpent eagle, coppersmith barbet, jungle owlet, blue-winged parakeet, jungle myna, and great wood shrike, among others. They also visited the ethnic food court and the photo exhibition as a part of the vanmahotsav program.

Overall, this trip was an eye-opening experience for everyone involved. It allowed the students to explore the wilderness and appreciate its beings, as well as to learn about the importance of conservation efforts. The students returned with a renewed sense of respect and responsibility towards the environment, which is a crucial lesson for everyone to learn in today's world.