Guwahati: Dr. Vinay Gupta, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) in Assam, inaugurated the 4th Residential Orang Nature Camp, 2025, at Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve (ONP&TR) on Saturday.
Dr. Gupta emphasised the critical role of Assam’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in safeguarding the region’s rich biodiversity. He praised the Forest Department for its ongoing conservation efforts and highlighted the importance of these protected areas in preserving the state’s natural heritage.
Speaking to the group of students attending the four-day camp, Dr. Gupta noted that such experiences, held within a national park and tiger reserve, offer invaluable opportunities for young minds to learn about biodiversity and nature.
He encouraged the students to embrace the lessons provided during the camp, urging them to immerse themselves in the beauty and knowledge that nature offers.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Pradipta Baruah, Field Director of Orang Tiger Reserve, and Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, Secretary General of Aaranyak, the premier biodiversity conservation organisation behind the event. Dr. Talukdar expressed his gratitude to the Assam Forest Department and the ONP&TR authorities for their support in facilitating this educational initiative.
Field Director Pradipta Baruah shared insights from previous nature camps, highlighting the educational and inspiring experiences they provided.
He encouraged the students to pay close attention to the lessons being taught, noting that the camp would help them grow into more informed and resourceful individuals.
The camp, which runs from May 17 to 20, is designed to sensitize 32 students from six local high schools about the significance of biodiversity and nature conservation.
The participating schools include Sealmari High School, Vallabhai Higher Secondary School, Bechimari ME Madrasa, Sankardev Jatiya Bidyalaya, Keramot Ali ME School, Bosola High School, and Fatasimolu ME School.
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Arif Hussain, Manager of Aaranyak’s Rhino Research and Conservation Division, emphasised the camp’s role in promoting conservation awareness, particularly about rhinos and tigers.
The event is supported by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF), UK, and aims to inspire the next generation to appreciate and protect the natural world.
A diverse group of experts, including renowned wildlife photographer Nejib Ahmed, senior journalist Swapan Nath, and local wildlife enthusiast Baharul Islam, are contributing to the camp’s educational programming.
In addition to classroom sessions, the camp includes outdoor activities such as safaris within the national park, allowing students to experience nature firsthand.
Through this initiative, Aaranyak seeks to empower students with knowledge and passion for biodiversity conservation, hoping they will share these insights with their families and communities to foster broader environmental awareness.
