Karnataka - Bangalore

World Earth Day celebrations

BANGALORE: Bangalore-based Era Organic, said to be the country’s first certified organic food store, observed World Earth Day on Tuesday in a unique manner by organising “organic bazaar” and various cultural programmes on its premises.

The atmosphere at Era Organic, situated in the posh Dollars’ Colony in RMV Extension, turned pastoral as folk artistes from H.L. Nage Gowda Janapada Kala Thanda of Ramanagara performed “Dollu Kunitha” ahead of the formal inauguration of the programme. The event took off with prominent environmental activists offering the traditional “rashi puja” to a heap of “ragi” and some agricultural appliances.

The road in front of the store had turned into a bazaar with some NGOs and individuals setting up make-shift stalls to sell organic foods, vegetables, fruits and seeds and eco-friendly artefacts.

Before the dignitaries addressed the audience, singers from “Samvada” troupe rendered a folk song depicting the village life. Folk magician Kadaba Srinivas enthralled the audience with his show.

Founder of Era Organic H.R. Jayaram said the first anniversary of the store was also being observed with World Earth Day.

He explained various initiatives taken up by the store in association with other NGOs for promoting organic farming and ecological conservation.

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu