On July 17, 2024, on the occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi, I inaugurated the “Vanyawani” movement at the Ashadhi Dindi event organized by Dnyaneshwar Vidyalaya, Wadala. This event was graced by dignitaries from the wildlife and social sectors, artists, athletes, students, teachers, and many aspiring youths, along with the blessings of Mother Nature.
Recognizing the power of art and the responsibility of youth towards society, youth from various parts of Maharashtra have come together, setting aside social media, to create a movement called ‘Vanyawani’. This movement aims to address the public directly, preserving Maharashtra’s culture and providing more than just digital preaching. It focuses on preserving the heritage of drama, music, dance, and folk art, while spreading the message of nature and wildlife conservation to the general public.
See event post: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9luwz9qLg6/?igsh=Y3hocXExYnFpdG90
Understanding the importance and social necessity of this movement, I have announced my active participation as a responsible citizen, nature lover, wildlife photographer, and artist. I will be leading this movement with my friends Makarand Sawant, Kunika Bansode, Akshay Mandavkar, Dr Abhishek Satam, and Nikit Surve, along with esteemed researchers and scholars.
The first offering of this movement, which showcases the vibrant energy of youth and Maharashtra’s rich folk arts to raise awareness while entertaining the public, is dedicated to the leopard, currently a menace in Maharashtra. While the successful performances of Maharashtra’s first full-length musical drama based on the coexistence of wildlife and humans, Sangeet Bibat Aakhyan, continue, we also announced the second offering of this movement, the musical drama Aranyawari, during this event.
