STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Continuing with its great tradition of extending a balanced blend of theoretical as well as practical knowledge, the MS Swaminathan Club at JKPS Kunjwani introduced its Green warriors to a plethora of common flowers and birds.
As part of their Club Activity, students learnt the common and scientific names of flowers gracing the school campus. Along with the correct identification, the students were able to broaden their knowledge of fragrant flowers, some of which happened to be in full bloom on the humid afternoon.
Accompanied by the teacher In-charge Sheetal Khajuria and equipped with their “green notebooks” and writing utensils, the students were thoroughly engaged in the learning process. They listened with rapt attention and were seen noting down nuggets of relevant information.
Some of the common names included Gutta (Marigold, Tagetes sps.), Gulab (Rose, Rosa indica), China Rose (Hibiscus rosa sinensis) and Sadaabahaar (Periwinkle, Catharanthus roseus). Students added that they had often seen these flowers but were unaware of their scientific names.
Gradually, the list grew longer as they added Kamal (Lotus, Nelumbo nucifera), Surajmukhi (Sunflower, Helianthus), Gulbahaar (Daisy, Bellis perennis), Kanda Pushpa (Tulip, Tulipa sps), Champa (Magnolia, Magnolia grandiflora), Lavender (Lavandula) and Gul Mehndi (Balsam, Impatiens) along with their pictorial identification.
Some Green warriors exhibited great pride and claimed to have the mentioned flowers at their home gardens.
It was an elaborate session of learning and active student participation proved to be a glowing testament of the same. Some students shared the interesting facts and benefits of some of the flowers.
LOTUS – It is India’s national flower. It floats on water owing to the presence of specialized cells called aerenchyma in its leaves. It symbolizes wealth and purity.
MARIGOLD – It is used in religious ceremonies, salads and even for dying food products.
ROSE – It is abundantly used as an ornamental plant symbolizing love and beauty. It is also used in commercial perfumery.
CHINA ROSE – It is rich in antioxidants and used extensively in herbal teas and medicines.
PERIWINKLE – The juice of its leaves is used as folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes. These are most commonly seen in pink and white colours.
Having learnt about the floral diversity, the teacher In-charge discussed the diversity among bird life with the students. The green warriors then headed for the birdhouse on the campus, which is home to birds of colourful feathers, flocked together. Students were told that the scientific name of the group constituting birds is called – Avian and the birdhouse is called Aviary. This aviary hosted over sixteen Australian Budgies.
Budgerigar or Common Parakeet is a variety of small, long tailed, seed eating parrots. Commonly called Budgies, these are of two broad varieties – Australian and English. The Australian Budgies are small yet have high pitched vocals. On the contrary, the English Budgies are bigger with a low voice.
The birds inside the aviary were quite active and students were enthralled to watch them. The birds exhibited multiple phenotypes with striking colours and variations from purple to yellow. The students took a few minutes, additional on this new information and promised to share with their classmates and families.
Principal JKPS Kunjwani, Rajesh Rathore lauded the meticulous planning of the mentors as well as the passionate endeavours from the Green warriors for collecting the interesting facts and features of nature. It generates curiosity, builds rationality and sensitizes them to the ecosystem of which they are an integral part. He wished a very bright future to those JKiians, who wish to pursue serious studies in the field of Ornithology and follow the footprints of famous Ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali.