International Vulture Awareness Day celebrated at Rani

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 8, 2024

The Vulture Conservation Breeding Center (VCBC) at Belguri, a joint initiative of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and the Assam Forest Department organized the International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD) at the Carmel High School, Rani in the Kamrup district on Saturday.

The event included a prize distribution ceremony for a drawing competition that was participated by 50 schools from Kamrup district. Five persons were felicited for their extraordinary services to vulture conservation – Prasna Kolita, Sahida Bibi & Ranjit Nath, Renu Nath, and Mallika Gogoi.

The programme was graced by Dr Sunanda Devi, State Biodiversity Board, Dr Paul, Anthropologist and Mrs Renu Deori, BDO of Rani as the chief guests. The gaon burahs (village heads) from five villages in Rani Block were also welcomed and felicitated. A slogan competition, awareness lecture and rally of school children was arranged at Sivasagar as well.

The biologists of VCBC- Aniket, Jayanta, Ms Aneena, and Sthita Pragyan and the field staff worked hard to make the event successful.

The documentary on vulture conservation in Assam was showcased to educate participants about the challenges faced by these magnificent birds and the importance of their preservation.

Local NGOs, women’s self-help groups, and individuals who contributed significantly to vulture conservation efforts were felicitated for their commendable work.

Prasna Kolita, a young conservationist running an NGO Banyabandhu was also felicitated for his efforts in public awareness and rescue of vultures.

Sahida Bibi & Ranjit Nath were awarded for their uncommon love for wildlife. They Rescued a sick vulture, fed it at their own expense and informed the authorities in time.

Renu Nath & Mallika Gogoi, the young artists and entrepreneurs were felicitated for their remarkable designs of vulture on the gamosa. Their venture would create awareness among the common people about wildlife through traditional ways.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of prominent dignitaries- Dr. Oinam Sunanda Devi, the Scientific Officer from Assam Biodiversity Board, who expressed her thoughts on conservation. Being an avid ornithologist shared her interest in vultures and the conservation movement in the state. Dr Paul who is a renowned educationist, anthropologist and advocate also shared his thought

From Rani Block, Roshan Rabi Swargahari, Gaonbura- Andherjuli, Jyotika Das, Gaonburah-Maspara, and Gunajit Thakuria, BPW were present.

The event highlighted the partnership between the BNHS, villagers and the Forest Department in promoting vulture conservation.

The event provided an opportunity for students to connect with peers, share their artwork, and discuss environmental conservation initiatives. Students expressed interest in forming interschool eco clubs to continue their collaborative efforts in promoting environmental awareness.