GUWAHATI, May 22: The overwhelming participation by students in the three back-to-back programmes this month meant for facilitating long-term conservation of the one-horned India rhinoceros through involvement of the future generation in the society is construed as an encouraging sign by conservation experts in Aaranyak given that mass people are the key stakeholder in wildlife conservation efforts. This was informed by Aaranyak in a press statement issued through its publicity secretary Dr Alolika Sinha here today.
The NGO in their press statement stated that conservation efforts programme have been aimed at
inculcating a sense of love and aspiration to conserve the State Animal of Assam, one-horned Indian rhinoceros, and so far 1590 students from various schools in Kaziranga landscape in Assam took part in three ‘Rhino goes to school’ programmes this month.
“Rhino goes to school” which is supported by UK-based David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF), is a flagship awareness generation programme of Aaranyak focused on enlightening young students about the magnificence of the greater one-horned rhino to help them understand the immense ecological value of this ancient animals that has enriched our land, the NGO informed.
The programme was executed interactive way for school children through audio and visual modes on the importance of the one-horned rhinoceros in our ecosystem besides its different characters, suitable habitats, the NGO said.
One “Rhino goes to School” programme was organised by Aaranyak in Soraibahi High School, on May 8. The programme which was attended by 560 students was marked by A/V presentations on Rhino, talk about local flora and fauna, interaction and open quiz, read the press statement.
“Aaranyak’s official Arif Hussain was the resource person in the programme that was graced by Paguram Pegu, Headmaster of the School, Babuli Hazarika, ex-honorary wildlife warden, Khirud Saikia, member of Aaranyak and other teachers of the school,” the NGO said.
Further, the NGO said, “Same day another ‘Rhino goes to school’ (RGTS) programme was organised by Aaranyak in Madhya Tribal Higher Secondary School, Gohpur where 680 students were in the audience and interacted with the resource person with their queries on the one-horned rhino.” Three-hundred fifty students participated in another “Rhino goes to school’ programme on May 9 that was held in Kolongpur High School, Gohpur, the press statement concluded.