Saikat Kumar Basu
The Royal Thai Consulate in Kolkata has always shown great social responsibility and cooperation through various initiatives such as providing consular assistance to Thai citizens, promoting cultural exchange between Thailand and India, organizing events to enhance bilateral relations, and in actively participating in various community development responsibilities. These outstanding efforts by the Royal Thai Consulate has contributed significantly in fostering good will as well better understanding between the two nations through comprehensive people to people contact. Furthermore, such benevolent activities by the consulate has been benefiting the local communities in the buzzing metro city of Kolkata. It has established a strong socio-cultural connection between the two countries.
The Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kolkata took the children of the Tiljala Shed on a Day-Out to the Harinalaya Zoo on Friday, 16 February 2024 (11am-2 pm), as part of the initiative of the Royal Thai Government to promote goodwill between the peoples of India and Thailand and as part of its social responsibility efforts. The Harinalaya Zoo is located on the campus of the Eco Park, Gate No. 6, Action Area IIE, New Town, Kolkata. The Royal Thai Consulate invited people to join them in this initiative in order to bring education and awareness to the needs of the under priviledged children at the Tiljala Shed and other socially underprivileged groups in general. The program was sponsored by the BLS International and the ground support for the children tour was provided by the dedicated staff members of the Harinalaya Zoo.
The tour started at 11 am after a brief introduction of the children buzzing wirh excitment to the Honourable Thai Consul General. The kids were given a tour of the mini zoo aviary housing colourful birds spread across the continents of Asia, Africa and Latin America. The children enjoyed visiting the beautifully decorsted enclosures of the zebras, giraffes, hippopotamus, fresh and salt water crocodiles, deers; and were particularly overjoyed to explore the primate enclosures housing apes like the Western Holock Gibbons and both Old and New World monkeys. The affectionate mini zoo staff members accompanying the trip painstakingly explained to the enthusiastic kids the importance of wildlife and biodiversity and the pressing needs for their conservation. They also explained how the mini zoo operates, how sick animals are treated and also broke the news that they are very soon going to receive tiger and lions to add to the attraction of the mini zoo.
The program concluded by providing gifts and a sumptuous lunch to the kids in the zoo cafeteria; and various photo sessions to boot the moral and excitment of these under privileged children. The Honourable Thai Consul General mentioned that she looks forward to many more such social and cultural events hosted and organized by the Royal Thai Consulate to strengthen the relationship between Thailand and India; and also to extend their services to various strata of the society in the city of Kolkata. This initiative is highly appreciated and has been a grand success; as expressed in the bright smile of the kids who participated.
(This story has not been edited by News Mania staff and is published from a Media Release)
