Lucknow: On the completion of the eighteenth year of the Dastak Youth Festival, the city received a new beginning in the form of the Lucknow Nature Club.
On April 12, observed as National Street Play Day, campus volunteers initiated the formation of the Nature Club across various campuses.
The club was jointly inaugurated at Lohia Park by Additional Chief Secretary and yoga expert Anil Kumar, who marked the occasion by cutting a cake.
Senior environmentalist and former Forest Services officer Mohammad Ahsan spoke in detail about the indigenous and exotic trees present there—their features, usefulness, as well as birds and forests. He emphasized that for youth, eco-tourism destinations—whether in Katarniaghat and Dudhwa or Unnao and Chitrakoot—should be explored and experienced.
Sangita Jaiswal proposed organizing a monthly nature walk. Veena Rana shared her experiences of growing pesticide-free vegetables at home, while noted doctor Prabha spoke about waste management and alternative energy.
Upasana Tripathi stated that Nature Clubs are being formed with students across campuses in Lucknow as part of Dastak’s environmental commitment. She added that discussions are ongoing with several departments and institutions, and a large creative event is being planned with hundreds of students for June 5, World Environment Day. She also mentioned that their activities receive support from the Tourism Department in the form of eco-tourism and youth club initiatives.
As the chief guest, Additional Chief Secretary Anil Kumar warmly appreciated the initiative. He shared that he has been associated with yoga and health for the past 40 years, and that the greenery of Lohia Park has played a key role in maintaining positivity. He emphasized that the happiness derived from nature cannot be found in malls or markets, and that such initiatives would also boost local tourism.
Shivalika and Veena expressed concern over air pollution and water wastage. Senior journalist Nagendra highlighted the importance of improving sleep timing and reducing screen time on mobile devices.
A large number of youth and members of civil society participated in the activities. Throughout the day, Nature Club members came together at different locations to mark this beginning.
Among the prominent attendees were Preeti Ahuja, Sangita Jaiswal, Veena, Shivalik, Adarsh, cyclist Suyash Trivedi, Danish from the banking sector, national-level shooter Khyati, financial advisor Prabhat Tripathi, businessman Hasan Usmani, singer Mahinder Pal, banker Vipin Jaiswal, Vishal, Yash, teacher Ravi Mishra, and Brajesh Pal, associated with soil-based work, along with many others
