Nestled within the rugged landscapes of the Aravali hills, school-going children gather in the Mangar Bani forest every weekend to engage in a myriad of activities, each designed to instill a deep appreciation for the environment.

One such activity is ‘Pakshi Jeevan Ek Sangharsh’ (The Struggles of a Bird’s Life). Here, the children take on the roles of birds. Through playful mimicry, they confront the harsh realities faced by their feathered friends, including the threats of storms, predators, habitat loss, and climate change. The activities create an understanding of how human actions — like using pesticides or cutting down trees — ripple through entire ecosystems.

It’s a lesson in empathy and conservation, aiming to reshape how children think about their relationship with nature.

The activity ends joyously when they realise the impact of conservation efforts, as the “birds” dance, symbolising a successful return to their home. “This not only educates but emotionally connects the children to the real struggles of birds,” says Sunil Harsana, the brains behind these activities.

As Sunil guides them, the children realise that without conscious effort, the birds they’ve grown to love might never return. He believes that understanding and appreciating the natural world from a young age is imperative for sustainable conservation practices.

Where conservation feels like play

In 2015, Sunil founded the ‘Mangar Eco Club’, aiming to connect the younger generation with nature through experiential learning. Through hands-on activities like birdwatching, nature painting, and building check dams, kids learn to see the world through the eyes of an environmentalist.

“They become familiar with local biodiversity, understanding that without intervention, the 245 bird species, including endangered ones like the red-headed and Egyptian vultures in their forests may vanish,” he mentions.

Often referred to as the ‘Pied Piper of Mangar Bani’, Sunil leads a new generation – not........

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