EVENT 1

FRESHER’S ORIENTATION

On 6th September 2024, the Department of Zoology conducted an orientation program in G1, for the incoming batch of freshers. The primary objective of this event was to welcome new students, familiarize them with departmental activities, and introduce them to the Zoological Society, which plays a crucial role in promoting engagement and learning in zoological sciences.

The event commenced with a warm welcome from the faculty members of the Department, who emphasized the importance of community and collaboration in academic success. They also provided an overview of the department’s structure, curriculum, and research opportunities. This session highlighted key courses, faculty expertise, and available resources for students. A dedicated session was held to introduce the Zoological Society, a student-led organization focused on fostering a passion for Zoology through various initiatives.

EVENT 2

DEPARTMENT STUDENTS’ ELECTIONS

The annual election of the Departmental Zoological Society was held on September 9th 2024, in the G-1 lecture hall, where candidates presented their visions for the society and fielded questions from attendees. Each candidate showcased their qualifications and proposed initiatives aimed at enhancing the society's outreach, academic collaboration, and community engagement.

The election process was conducted transparently, utilizing a secret ballot system to ensure fairness. Students were encouraged to participate actively, with over 150 members casting their votes. The enthusiasm was palpable, reflecting the strong interest in zoological studies within the department. Results were announced shortly after voting concluded. Following the announcement, the newly elected officers expressed their gratitude and outlined their commitment to fostering a collaborative environment within the society.

EVENT 3

WORLD ANIMAL DAY

World Animal Day, celebrated on October 4th, serves as a global platform to raise awareness about animal welfare and promote the protection of animals. To commemorate this important day, Aakriti-The Zoological Society organized an Event – The Furtastic Forum with two engaging events: a Debate Competition and a Poster Making Competition. These activities aimed to educate participants about animal rights while fostering creativity and critical thinking.

The Poster Making Competition encouraged participants to channel their creativity into powerful messages about wildlife conservation and the role of private organizations. Participants were provided with the theme: "The World is Theirs Too."

This competition attracted individuals from various colleges resulting in a vibrant display of artwork that showcased diverse perspectives on wildlife protection. Posters illustrated themes such as habitat preservation, the impact of private interventions, and the importance of respecting local governance in conservation efforts.

Followed by The Poster Making Competition, The Debate Competition attracted participants from various colleges, centred around the theme: “This house believes that interventions by private organizations in wildlife conservation, such as Vantara in Namibia, can undermine local government decisions and sovereignty.” This provocative topic ignited spirited discussions, prompting participants to delve into the ethical implications, effectiveness, and potential consequences of private interventions in wildlife management.

The event featured six teams which were selected after a quiz elimination round held on 29th of September, each presenting well-researched arguments both supporting and opposing the notion that private organizations can disrupt local governance in wildlife conservation. Teams explored case studies, including Vantara’s initiatives in Namibia, analysing their impacts on local communities and ecosystems.

The participants were evaluated on clarity of expression, delivery, rebuttal & response, and engagement and impact. The competition fostered an atmosphere of respect and intellectual engagement, allowing diverse viewpoints to emerge while promoting empathy towards wildlife and the importance of local sovereignty.

Both the events were judged with excellence by our esteemed judges: Prof. P. Arun from the Department of Electronics and Dr. Shweta Khilani from the Department of English

The Debate Competition fostered critical thinking and respectful dialogue about governance and sovereignty, while the Poster Making Competition allowed participants to creatively express their commitment to protecting wildlife. Together, these events not only celebrated World Animal Day but also strengthened community engagement in advocating for responsible conservation practices.