Quiz Contest on Environment Organised

Environment Warriors held an inter-school quiz competition on Sunday at Motipur Forest Guest House, Katarniaghat.

- HT Correspondent

LUCKNOW: The Fourth Mayan Mahotsav, held in Village Gadela, Ituanja, on Sunday, captivated everyone with the inspiring story of Sandeep Mishra, a BSF officer who overcame challenges.

Sandeep Mishra, a decorated BSF officer who lost his eyesight, shared his courageous journey. He had lost his eyesight during the Rhino 2 operation on December 13, 2000, while defending the nation against ULFA militants. He went on to become a computer instructor at the BSF Academy, using screen reader software, and earned recognition as an award-winning singer.

Organised to honour specially abled individuals, the event featured many performances, including musical programmes by the visually impaired.

The festival was inaugurated by Minister of Social Welfare Asim Arun. On the occasion, a Braille book penned by Urdu poet Bashir Badr was presented to Arun by Rohit Kumar Meet, the founder of Meet Welfare Foundation.

Arun lauded the specially-abled community for their unyielding spirit.

Dr Anand Prakash Maheshwari (Retd DG CRPF), the organiser of the programme, said, "Lucknow Sahityik Manch and Lucknow Expressions Society offered their moral support to the Mahotsav. Over the years, youth and women from villages have used the event to highlight their concerns, including environmental issues, child nutrition, and cancer care."