The National Wildlife Week is celebrated from 2 to 8 October every year throughout the country with the aim of protecting and preserving our rich flora and fauna. The Mokokchung Forest Division kick-started the program with Soul House Academy at the Forest Office Complex, Marepkong. The school, led by the Principal of Soul House Academy, Arenla Lemtur, along with the teaching faculty and students from Grades 3 to 6, visited the Forest Complex to learn about and experience the various initiatives undertaken by the Forest Department for the conservation of flora and fauna.
Dr Sentitula, IFS, DFO Mokokchung, welcomed all the teachers and students. Mokokchung Range Officer, I Sashilemla, RFO, shared that National Wildlife Week is observed annually across India to spread awareness of the importance of wildlife and its conservation. She encouraged the students by saying that future exemplary conservation efforts should come from within themselves and urged them to always care for and connect with nature.
In addition to this year’s theme, ‘Wildlife Conservation through Coexistence,’ the Mokokchung Forest Division also focused on ‘Listening to the Voices of Our Future Generation.’ The day was marked by a walk around the forest park, allowing the children to explore, observe, and connect with nature. Since children are the future, it is important to instill in them the values of love for nature and wildlife. This was followed by a video presentation on various themes related to wildlife conservation. Additionally, the children enjoyed quizzes on the basics of wildlife, with Quiz Master Wapang setting the tone for the activity. The participating students won exciting prizes. Following this, the children were given a virtual reality experience, a new feature in the Awareness Centre of the Forest Division, intended to enhance their knowledge of technology and make their learning experiences more engaging.
In the midst of all these activities, the children were also given time to share their views. Sendongmeren of Grade 3 stated that we should save the environment, avoid cutting trees, and instead plant more. Sentinungla of Grade 4 shared that she learned about different plants and animals in Nagaland. The students actively participated, sharing their expectations and hopes with the department and discussing how they perceive the world, aiming to raise awareness of wildlife conservation and environmental protection among their peers.
Overall, the event was marked by joyful exchanges, celebrating Wildlife Week with the hope that, no matter how small or big, we all contribute to caring for all of creation. The young minds who participated are seen as future green aspirants and ambassadors for propagating a love for the environment.
