GUWAHATI: In an innovative approach to address the escalating Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) in the region, a biodiversity conservation organisation, has harnessed the power of theatre to foster cooperation among villagers and facilitate coexistence with wild elephants.
Theatre, known as a potent medium of mass communication, has been utilised by Aaranyak to educate villagers and students about the importance of living harmoniously with wild elephants.
The organisation’s team orchestrated a compelling play that engaged school students, aiming to convey a poignant message about coexistence.
The play, enacted at the Paneri Higher Secondary School in Udalguri district, revolves around a heartfelt conversation between a grandfather and his grandson.
The grandfather narrates a tale of bygone times when their village peacefully coexisted with elephants.
He vividly describes large herds residing in the nearby forest, emphasising their peaceful cohabitation with villagers.
However, he mourns the rapid developmental changes that have adversely affected both the lives of elephants and villagers.
The emotional portrayal of the village’s history deeply impacts the young protagonist, instilling hope that paths will be made for elephants to reclaim their once delightful abode in the jungles.
Aaranyak believes that such narratives can be instrumental in sensitising the local community to the increasing human-elephant conflict and the urgent need for empathy towards these gentle giants.
To bring this unique initiative to life, the organisation’s team conducted a four-day training program,e for 25 Class IX students from Paneri Higher Secondary School.
The first performance took place on November 28 in the school auditorium, attended by students and teachers, many of whom hail from high human-elephant conflict areas of the district.
The play, conceptualized by Aaranyak’s senior conservation biologist Dr Alolika Sinha and penned down by researcher Anushka Saikia, was brought to fruition through the collaborative efforts of team members Rabiya Daimary, Abhijit Saikia, Reshma Narzary, Mondeep Basumatari, Pradip Barman, and Bikash Tossa.
This impactful drama is set to be enacted in two additional HEC conflict zones within Udalguri district.
