BNHS organises charity auction of art work to raise funds

Mumbai, Feb 15 (UNI) For the first time in its 125 years of existence, the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), the leading NGO engaged in conservation and protection of wildlife, has organised a charity auction of contemporary Indian art as part of its fund raising exercise for its various initiatives.

Named 'Mission Greenscape', comprising works of 70 artists from all over the country, the art auction will be held on February 20.

The collection includes works by artists such as Manjit Bawa, Ajay De, Sunil Das, Vasudev Gaitonde, Akbar Padamsee, S H Raza, Paritosh Sen among others.

The opening preview of the works of art began today and will continue till Feburary 19.

BNHS Vice President Pheroza J Godrej told UNI that the art auction was being conducted to raise funds to conserve priceless and rare collection of library material and specimens.

As a not-for-profit NGO, BNHS is in constant need of funds to support its work and hence fund-raising is an important ongoing activity, she said.

The BNHS library has a large collection of more than 20,000 books and scientific journals on wildlife and environment from all over the world, including century-old books on rare natural history that are not available elsewhere. It houses a photo library that has a range of images and audio-visuals depicting natural history too.

The BNHS collection represents rich biodiversity of India and is recognised for both its quality and antiquity which is a part of national heritage. The society's invaluable collection consists of over 26,000 birds, 20,000 mammals, 7,500 reptiles and amphibians, 50,000 insects.

Ms Godrej said the proceeds of the art auction would also be used to initiate and support scientific research undertaken by the Society in the areas of conservation, education, research.

She said BNHS plans to make art auction an annual event encouraged by the goodwill generated this year.

UNI