Sharan V

How are you using education to build more sustainable and equitable communities? Tell us about your EE work and impact.

I have been passionate about lesser fauna for the past decade and have always wanted to share my knowledge and experiences with a wider audience, as I believe education is fundamental to creating sustainable and equitable communities. As the Founding Director of Rhopalocera and Odonata Association of Rajapalayam (ROAR), I lead a wonderful team in creating educational materials about nature for students and adults of all ages. These materials have been widely appreciated across many parts of India. We also actively conduct nature walks through our eco-stewardship program, WildEarthlings, using place-based education to sensitize people to local biodiversity. Many participants have developed a love for nature through activities conducted as part of these walks, and I am proud to be part of this wonderful nature-based learning initiative.

Tell us about your journey to where you are today. What inspired you? What has your path been like?

My journey as an educator began during the lockdown in 2020, when I started conducting webinars because people were confined to their homes due to the pandemic. I saw this as an opportunity to create communities and connect like minded individuals across India. Since then, I have addressed more than 6000 students through webinars for college, schools, and other groups as well. After receiving significant support from these webinars and awareness programs, my team and I decided to publish affordable educational materials for the public, including students. I have been teaching people about the basics of birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and occasionally moths and ants, as I am passionate about insects and their crucial role in our ecosystem, which is equal to or even greater than that of large mammals. My teaching methodology focuses on a slow learning process, and I am grateful to have inspired many people by sharing my experiences. My goal is to instill a sense of belonging and curiosity about nature in my audience.

How can people learn more about or support your work?

The work which I do as part of the organization I run can be viewed on the Instagram handle @roarrajapalayam. An official website is underway and will be launching soon.

A Little More About Me

What keeps you hopeful for the future? 

As long as people like us exist to educate and promote public outreach, our future is in safe hands.

What is your favorite food to celebrate with? 

Any given day, season, or year—Idli with tomato/chili chutney.

If you could be any animal or plant, what would you be and why? 

Of Course a butterfly. Spread your wings and learn to fly on your own.

What are your hobbies? 

Spending time with nature, observing wildlife, playing badminton.