Save the Sparrow: Students, parents, citizens join Glen Run 2025 to conservation

Hyderabad: Glendale Academy hosted its annual community event, Glen Run 2025, bringing together students, parents and local citizens in support of sparrow conservation.

The event, themed ‘Save the Sparrow’, aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land, combining fitness activities with environmental awareness.

A Marathon with a mission

The Glen Run 2025 route began at Glendale Academy, Bandlaguda, extended to Army Public School, and returned to the campus. The event featured a variety of activities, including:

• A 3K run

• Skating and cycling

• Poster and photography contests

• Slogan writing

• Nest-making workshops

The DIY nest-making activity aimed to demonstrate how small, individual actions can create safe spaces for sparrows. During the upcoming Term 1 vacation (September 21–October 5), students will conduct a sparrow sighting survey and submit their findings, along with a Plan of Action, to the Cabinet Minister of Forest and Environment, Konda Surekha, supporting ongoing conservation initiatives.

Community leaders applaud the initiative

The event was attended by G Vivek Venkatswamy, State Minister for Labour, Employment, Training and Factories, Mines and Geology, and Mohammad Azharuddin, former Indian cricket captain, who served as Chief Guests.

Both praised Glendale Academy for instilling environmental responsibility in students. They emphasised that grassroots efforts like Glen Run play a critical role in building awareness and accountability in society.

Glendale in education

Reflecting on the event, Minu Salooja, Director of Glendale International School, Hyderabad, said “Built on Glendale’s ethos of nurturing both values and skills, Glen Run has always been more than a marathon; it is a platform where social consciousness meets action. Glen Run 2025 has shown us that change begins when communities unite with a shared purpose. Watching our children run, create, and build with such passion for sparrows is a reminder that education must inspire action, not just impart knowledge.”

Parents highlight the learning experience

The event’s impact extended beyond the school, drawing participation from parents outside Glendale’s community.

NV Sunny, father of a Grade 3 student, shared, “As a parent, it was heartening to see how Glen Run turned fitness and fun into a meaningful lesson on conservation. My child came home not just excited about the race but also eager to build a nest and spot sparrows around our neighbourhood. That kind of learning, where children feel empowered to act, is priceless.”

An event growing beyond the campus

What began as a school initiative has developed into a city-wide movement. Glen Run 2025 combined fitness, creativity, and environmental responsibility to engage participants of all ages. The enthusiastic turnout reinforced its reputation as one of Hyderabad’s most anticipated events, promoting community involvement and ecological awareness.