Guwahati: A four-day summer nature workshop titled ‘Nature Detective 2025’ was held in Guwahati by leading biodiversity conservation group Aaranyak, drawing over 50 young participants into the fascinating intersection of forensic science and wildlife conservation.
Organised under Aaranyak’s Student Engagement Learning Programme from July 22 to 25, the workshop aimed to foster scientific thinking and environmental awareness among students through hands-on STEM-based learning.
The initiative was supported by the Mobius Foundation.
Renowned forensic scientist Dr Padmapani, the only person from Northeast India with a PhD in forensic science, was a special guest on July 24.
Sharing insights from his 30-year career at the Forensic Science Laboratory, Assam, he spoke about the role of forensic science in crime investigation and its growing relevance in combating wildlife crime.
“Science and compassion must go hand in hand,” Dr Padmapani told the young audience, stressing the importance of empathy towards nature and society.
The interactive sessions featured activities such as ‘Whose Track Is That?’, ‘The Leaf Code’, and ‘Mystery at Nature Scene’, where students explored animal tracking, plant-based evidence analysis, and eco-crime investigation techniques.
These sessions were designed to introduce children to real-world applications of forensic tools in understanding wildlife behaviour and protecting biodiversity.
In his welcome address, Aaranyak’s Secretary General and Executive Director Dr Bibhab Kumar Talukdar praised the students for spending their holidays meaningfully. “Your participation reflects your dedication to nature,” he said.
The workshop concluded with a field trip to the Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden, where students took part in a guided trek and interactive session led by biologist Pranjal Mahananda at the Nature Learning Centre.
Certificates were awarded to participants at the close of the programme.
The event was coordinated by Aaranyak’s Environment Education and Capacity Building Division (EECBD), led by Assistant Director Jayanta Kumar Pathak.
Project Coordinator Prajnyan Sarma and a team of young professionals facilitated the sessions, ensuring an engaging and memorable experience for all involved.
