Children across India celebrate 'unsung reptiles' through art to raise awareness on lizards

The winning entries of the contest. Pics via Ranjeet Jadhav

In a one-of-a-kind initiative, Nidus, in collaboration with MaHaMTB, CSMVS Mumbai, NatureWalk Charitable Trust, Heritage Designs, and leading herpetologists and conservation artists, launched the "I Love Lizards" National Art Contest from July 1 to 30.

Open to children aged six to 15, the campaign aimed to challenge deep-rooted fears of lizards and replace them with curiosity, care, and ecological understanding. The contest received over 2,000 entries from across India.

From forest fringes to remote villages, thousands of children, parents - especially mothers - and teachers came together to celebrate lizards through art, storytelling, and science. A special highlight was the inspiring participation of students from the Deaf and Dumb School in Maharashtra, showing us that one doesn't need a voice to speak for nature, only a heart full of empathy.

The campaign is envisioned by Kshamata Gaikwad and Varad Giri, with a mission to reshape perceptions about lizards and nurture a culture of respect, empathy, and ecological fairness for these often-overlooked creatures, especially in little hearts.

The entire month featured Lizard Gyan, a series of informative posts and illustrations that brought the world of lizards to life. Lizards are finally being celebrated and recognised as vital heroes of our ecosystem.