In a one-of-a-kind initiative, Nidus, in collaboration with MaHaMTB, CSMVS Mumbai, NatureWalk Charitable Trust, Heritage Designs, and leading herpetologists and conservation artists, launched the “I Love Lizards” National Art Contest from July 1 to 30.

Open to children aged six to 15, the campaign aimed to challenge deep-rooted fears of lizards and replace them with curiosity, care, and ecological understanding. The contest received over 2,000 entries from across India.

From forest fringes to remote villages, thousands of children, parents — especially mothers — and teachers came together to celebrate lizards through art, storytelling, and science. A special highlight was the inspiring participation of students from the Deaf and Dumb School in Maharashtra, showing us that one doesn’t need a voice to speak for nature, only a heart full of empathy.