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To make the general public more aware of the treasure that is our rocky landscape, the Society to Save Rocks is working on its extensive awareness programme:
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The continuous successful networking with the print media has been reinforced by presentations in the electronic media: a 'Rockumentary', co-produced by the President of the Society, Narendra Luther, as well as features on All-India Radio and other TV channels have been aired at different occasions.
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A painting, essay and poetry competition was arranged for school children.
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A widely reported workshop for painters and sculptors from all over India has highlighted the artists' concern for the Deccan's beauty.
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Exhibitions of photographs and paintings bring wider exposure.
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A photo book "ROCKITECTURE' written by the Society's President N. Luther was published by the Department of Tourism, Hyderbad.
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A play titled "Rollicking Rockscape", written by our member R. Rajamani, was staged for and with children at the open-air theatre of Shilparamam.
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A concert by the Delhi fusion group "Indian Ocean" in January 2004 has brought hundreds of young and not-so-young people out to the picturesque Durgam Cheruvu to see for themselves the magic of the rock landscapes around Hyderabad. This was the fifth concert arranged in rocky surroundings - a spectacular backdrop to Indian classical as well as modern music.
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Another cultural programme, in March 2005, combined a play by the Mumbai Company Theatre "The Blue Mug" and a jazz concert by the Hyderabadi group "Charminar Jazz Collective" - a treat for theatre, jazz and nature lovers.
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February 19, 2006:
To mark its Tenth Anniversary, the Society celebrated an ENVIRO MELA at the National Institute for Tourism and Hospitality Management (NITHM) at Gachibowli, highlighting not only the plight of our ancient rocks, but many other environmental issues with the help of many of Hyderabad's environmental organisations. The Mela was an event for children an adults alike - with rock walks, snake shows, puppy adoption, drawing and quizzes, and all-day documentaries.
Stalls and exhibitions showcased lake beautification, pollution, waste management, wildlife protection, eco-friendly materials and books on environment.
A sizeable crowd braved the sudden summer heat to take part in the Mela. School children entertained the visitors with skits on rock preservation ("Rocks really Rock") and the Chipko Movement, and with a Rajasthani folk dance. A puppet play "The Giving Tree" had young and old glued to their seats.
For the early birds, there was birdwatching at 6.30 a.m. and for the late owls the German feature film "Summer of the Falcon" at the end of the programme. In all, a full day of learning about, understanding and appreciating our environment.
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