BITM (Birla Industrial and Technological Museum) Kolkata has been hosting World Environment Day on 5 June for many years now. This year, however, was a bit different as it was the first time BITM had combined its efforts with The American Library to craft a one of a kind commemoration of world environment day.

The eventful occasion started at 11a.m. with Sit and Draw Competitions for school students along with an “environmental awareness survey” and the “Sense the Smell of Nature Competition,” for teachers as well as guardians of the students. Friends of The Trees, an organisation for the welfare of trees in the city, were also present at the event, distributing saplings for the students to take home and take care of, for a greener tomorrow. The day continued with Open House quizzes on the environment, where students were given a chance to show off their knowledge on the subject. Mr. Moulik D. Berkana, Deputy Director of American Center Kolkata who conducted the senior level quiz said “those were some tough questions and I’m very impressed with the participant’s intelligence and enthusiasm.”

The excitement did not stop there. The costume parade was next as young students dressed as the many elements of nature took to the stage with confidence, blowing away the judges, as well as the audience with their individual uniqueness. Mr. Berkana announced “this is the first time the American center has collaborated with BITM - and it will not be the last.”

Among other guests who graced the occasion and helped in giving out the prizes to the winners were Sk. E. Islam, Director General of BITM, Mr. Steven P. Kerchoff, Information Resource officer, US Department of State, based in American Embassy in New Delhi and Mr. Ingit Mukherjee the Ex-Director General of BITM who said “creating environmental awareness among the younger generation is why we have gathered here today, but it must not stop here.” He went on to advise the gathering to take back with them whatever they had learnt and share it with their respective families and friends as awareness, he said was the key to a building a better future. The event came to close with the screening of “An Inconvenient Truth” a documentary movie by Al Gore on the issues of Global Warming.