A Heritage Foundation Initiative for Sustainability
“Together, we can create a sustainable future.”
In a remarkable testament to the power of collective action, Gorakhpur, the spiritual heart of Uttar Pradesh, hosted the ‘Films for Humanity: Wildlife, Environment, and Ecotourism Mahotsav 2025’ for the third year in a row. From January 10 to 12, the Yogiraj Baba Gambhirnath Auditorium became a hub of inspiration and enlightenment, bringing together thousands of eager students, educators, and nature enthusiasts.
The festival, led by the Heritage Foundation Trust, Gorakhpur Forest Division, and Gorakhpur Zoo, went beyond entertainment, serving as a powerful call for environmental awareness and stewardship. Despite winter school closures, over 3,000 students attended, captivated by stories showcasing the planet’s beauty and fragility. The Mahotsav emphasized that preserving nature and biodiversity is a shared duty. Renowned director Mike Hargovind Pandey enthralled audiences with films like Bird Migration, Project Tiger, and Ganga Dolphin, which underscored the urgent need for conservation through compelling storytelling.
The event’s main guest, actor and MP Ravi Kishan Shukla, conveyed a powerful message: “Incorporating wildlife and environmental education into our educational system is not merely a concept; it’s essential.” His plea to “learn, earn, and return” struck a profound chord, inspiring students to take an active role in safeguarding the environment they live in.
Dr. Anita Agarwal, the patron of the Heritage Foundation, underscored the importance of regularly organising such events to inspire students and young people. She announced plans to expand the Mahotsav to other cities beyond Gorakhpur, aiming to amplify its impact. Dr. Agarwal also reiterated the collective commitment to crucial environmental initiatives, including plantation drives, water conservation, and the ban on single-use polythene, for which she had administered an oath. She emphasised that films serve as more than just entertainment; they are a potent tool for educating the public about environmental issues and promoting the concept of co-existence.
IFS Vikas Yadav, Director of Gorakhpur Zoo and DFO of Gorakhpur Forest Division, stressed the need to prioritize environmental sustainability. Deputy Director Dr. Yogesh Pratap Singh and Municipal Corporation Chief Engineer Sanjay Chauhan discussed the dangers of climate change, noting that many species face extinction due to changing environmental conditions. Anil Tripathi, Manish Chaube, RD Pandey were present actively.
The Mahotsav featured an amazing bird exhibition organised by wildlife photographer Anupam Agarwal, showcasing 56 species brought to life through his photography, highlighting the beauty of nature’s feathered treasures.
The event concluded with the inaugural ‘Prithvi Mitra’ awards by The Heritage Foundation, honouring environmental heroes. Padma Shri Dr. Ramchet Chaudhary was honoured for conserving the Kalanamak rice variety, while Dr. Govind Pandey and Dr. Sahil Mehfuz were recognised for their efforts in combating air and water pollution. An online quiz engaged over 6,500 participants, emphasising that knowledge is the foundation of change. Schools like Woodland Academy and GD Goenka Public School actively participated.
The Gorakhpur Mahotsav 2025 was not just an event, it was a movement, a reminder that every small action counts in the grand tapestry of conservation. It inspired a community, ignited a generation, and planted the seeds of a sustainable tomorrow.
