Category: Environment
Author: Dr. P. Uma Maheswari, Botanist, Ramco Community Services
The Eco Club of Ramco Institute of Technology (RIT), Rajapalayam, organised RIT’s Hidden Gem recently with the theme “Discover. Capture. Observe”. The programme aimed to encourage students to explore and appreciate the rich biodiversity thriving within the college campus.
Working in teams of two, participants observed and photographed butterflies, birds, insects, plants, and other living organisms found across different parts of the campus. They used the iNaturalist application to upload their observations, identify species, and learn about their ecological significance, making the activity both educational and engaging.
The event helped students develop their observation, nature photography, species identification, and teamwork skills while fostering a deeper appreciation for biodiversity and environmental conservation. Participants shared their photographs and discussed the characteristics, habitats, and ecological importance of the species they documented, enabling everyone to learn from one another’s discoveries.
The programme successfully demonstrated that the college campus is itself a thriving habitat supporting diverse forms of life. It inspired students to observe, document, and conserve the natural environment around them, reinforcing the message that biodiversity can be discovered and appreciated even within everyday surroundings.
