Special postal cover backs ‘Born to Fly' campaign, avifauna conservation
Siva Shankar, Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Coimbatore Division, released the special cover in the presence of District Forest Officer N. Jayaraj and Kasi Vishwanathan, Senior Postmaster, Head Post Office, Coimbatore.
The event emphasised the importance of protecting birds, especially the 12 parakeet species native to India that are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. 'This world is not just for us. It is for the birds too', said Mr. Shankar.
Drawing a parallel between the travel of postcards and the migratory nature of birds, Mr. Jayaraj noted the symbolic connection between communication and conservation.
'The postal department has always been a friend of the common man, and now, of nature too', he said.
The special cover was conceptualised by Joseph Reginald Louis, featuring an illustration by cartoonist G. Bala. It states that buying, selling and caging of parakeets is 'cruel' and 'punishable offence'.
A brochure released as part of the special cover featured photographs of Alexandrine parakeet and Rose-ringed parakeet by T.R.A. Arunthavaselvan.
Mr. Viswanathan delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of all stakeholders.
As a part of the campaign, a world record attempt for the 'largest cereal grain artwork' was made for the Asia Book of Records, to create awareness against the illegal and cruel caging of parakeets, at Prozone Mall in the evening.
Born to Fly campaign is supported by Animal Rescuers, The Anaamalaiss Group, ARC Parcel Service, Rotary Club of Coimbatore Cotton City and Global Medi Exporters and Sri Jayendra Saraswathy Vidyalaya.
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