“In a time of environmental crisis, creative storytelling and visual arts can play a powerful role in shaping the next generation of eco-conscious citizens,” said Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
She made this statement while gracing as Chief Guest the evocative programme “IKRIMIKRI: A Realm of Imagination – the World of Picture Books”, held on Monday at Alliance Française de Dhaka, Dhanmondi.
Terming such initiatives as more than mere cultural engagements, the Environment Advisor observed, “Programmes like storytelling with pictures are not just cultural events — they are investments in our planet’s future.”
In her remarks, she underscored the transformative potential of picture books in environmental education. “Picture books are not just stories with pictures,” she said. “They are gateways to empathy, curiosity, and respect for the natural world. When we introduce children to the beauty of wildlife and nature through such creative formats, we plant the seeds of environmental stewardship.”
Urging society to foster a compassionate bond between children and the environment, she poignantly added, “Let children grow up loving nature, not fearing it.”
The event celebrated the imaginative power of picture books in shaping young minds and featured a compelling exhibition of illustrations centered on wildlife and the natural world. Advisor Rizwana Hasan lauded the initiative for crafting a space where creativity and environmental consciousness converge.
Drawing a vibrant and intergenerational audience of children, parents, educators, and artists, the programme showcased vivid depictions of forests, rivers, and endangered species — sparking meaningful conversations around biodiversity, climate change, and conservation in a language children could both understand and feel.
Organized in collaboration with local educators and illustrators, IKRIMIKRI stood as a testament to the power of visual storytelling in nurturing future guardians of the Earth.