The course was scheduled before the lockdown was announced and included field visits to gardens. But now, it will be a strictly indoors course. "We will help participants create their own windowsill butterfly garden instead so you don't have to go outside to watch them," explains Kehimkar, recounting two senior members in a batch who created their own butterfly gardens in Matunga and Dadar. While the course, he tells us, is meant for beginners, those interested can pursue further studies in the subject. "The course will enable participants to distinguish the vast number of butterfly species in India and learn how to document them, too," says Kehimkar, adding that it is a healthy hobby and inculcates a love for nature. "It can turn children into naturalists, and teach them to conserve and protect the environment. Studying butterflies is also important for understanding climate change," he says.

Isaac Kehimkar

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The course will be interactive with guest lectures every Sunday including one by Dr V Shubhalaxmi, founding member, iNaturewatch. "We will also assist students with queries on WhatsApp groups and remain in touch after the course," Kehimkar says. One of the advantages of an interest in butterflies, he explains, is being able to attend international conferences even as an amateur. "Unlike other fields, most conferences are open to those interested in learning about butterflies," he says.

On May 1 onwards
Log on to inaturewatch.org
Cost Rs 3,000

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