Inaugurating its first ever sustainability club: the S.A.F.E Club, the Department of Professional Studies at Christ University in collaboration with wildlife conservation NGO-Wildlife SOS, embarked the commencement of its flagship business festival “Cognito Currency”. Dating back to September 2018, the origin of the vision of a Sustainability and Forests Education Club was instigated by a field visit to Wildlife SOS’ Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre by Mr. Biju Toms: Head of Department of Professional Studies along with faculty members of Christ University.
Following an extensive exchange of ideas between Dr. Arun. A. Sha, Director-Wildlife Veterinary Operations, Wildlife SOS and the visiting group from Christ University, the inspiration of a sustainability club was gathered and the idea was proposed to help build a platform for the students to involve, conduct and volunteer in various activities that would foster the cause of sustainability. The multi-faceted aim of the club will aid in targeting several environmental issues and supporting the cause of the organization.
At Bangalore’s largest business festival: the 11th Cognito Currency, which is an inter-college business festival challenging enterprising minds in a corporate scenario, the first ever SAFE Club was inaugurated by honorary chief guests- Wildlife SOS’ Co-founder and secretary; Geeta Seshamani and Chairperson Wildlife SOS; Aparna Rajagopal. Attracting participants from all over the country, the Cognito Festival is considered as one of the most challenging festivals of the year, in terms of complexity and competition.
In an attempt to approach the issue of sustainability by the students and the university members, the SAFE Club will act as a platform to collaborate towards wildlife conservation and other sustainable goals, while aiding to the cause of Wildlife SOS. Throwing light on the glorious past efforts of the NGO in ensuring protection of wildlife and their habitat, Professor Matthew, Christ University, apprised the gathering with the organization’s incumbent projects in rescuing and rehabilitating distressed wild animals across the country.
Carrying forward, the 2,000 students and faculty members were addressed by Wildlife SOS’ Chairperson-Ms. Aparna Rajagopal. Supporting her lecture on the last twenty years of efforts made by Wildlife SOS to protect wildlife, conserve forests and combat illegal wildlife trafficking, a brief presentation was also availed to the audience. The talk motivated the attendees on how they could play a role as individuals to help protect wildlife. She explained how their work over two decades included rehabilitating the Kalandar communities who depended hugely on the sloth bears for a livelihood and the challenges faced by the organization.
The motto underlining the club’s conception is to protect, restore and promote wildlife and forests by taking a holistic approach and initiative towards spreading environmental education and developing innovative ideas towards a sustainable future for wildlife and nature as a whole. Along similar lines, the Secretary and Co-founder of Wildlife SOS- Geeta Seshamani further concluded the event by talking about the need for a sustainable future and ways to attain it.
The SAFE Club acts as an umbrella organization to approach the multi fold issue of environment and wildlife conservation, while proposing methods to deal actively with them. It also serves as a means to spread awareness, volunteer, help and support and build connections with the relevant communities.
Wildlife SOS is extremely grateful to announce the commencement of the S.A.F.E. Club and hopes to reach out to the masses to collectively deal with issues faced by Indian wildlife.
