We’ve all studied EVS (Environmental Studies) in school — those chapters about forests, animals, pollution, and saving the Earth. At the time, it felt like just another subject. Maybe we memorised facts about endangered animals or drew neat diagrams of the food chain. Then we moved on.

But as we grow up, we start noticing things around us — trees being cut, animals disappearing, weather becoming unpredictable, and the air not feeling as fresh anymore. That’s when we realise that all those lessons were actually about real problems we’re now living through. By the time we reach college and dive deeper into the subject, we realise how serious things actually are. All those EVS chapters feel real.

Nature isn’t just something “out there.” It’s part of us. And it’s in danger. At the heart of it all is wildlife conservation- the effort to protect not just animals, but the entire web of life they belong to. Every insect, bird, tree, and animal has a role in maintaining balance. When we lose a species, we lose a piece of that balance.

There’s something we forget though — Conservation doesn’t only happen in forests or by scientists. It can begin in our own neighbourhoods, in the smallest acts of care.

What does small-scale wildlife conservation look like?

· Feeding stray animals during summer and winter

· Keeping water bowls outside for birds and dogs during hot days

· Saying no to firecrackers during festivals to protect animals from loud sounds

· Supporting animal shelters or even volunteering for feeding drives

What Prayan is Doing ?

Prayan Foundation is doing just that- it is taking small steps towards conservation of the wildlife. Through Initiative Karuna, they are:

· Doing animal feeding drives to help stray animals and birds.

· Running awareness drives to teach people how to care for wildlife and protect nature.

Their work shows that compassion (karuna) is the first step to saving wildlife.