Assam: The fourth Residential Orang Nature Camp 2025 was inaugurated on 17 May at Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam. On this special occasion, Dr. Vinay Gupta, who is the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) of Assam, inaugurated the camp. He said that the National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries of Assam are playing an important role in saving the biodiversity of the state. He appreciated the efforts of the Forest Department and described the role of these protected areas as important in protecting the natural heritage.
Golden opportunity for children to connect with nature
Dr. Gupta, while interacting with the students, said that such camps give the youth an opportunity to learn about nature and biodiversity closely. He told the students to immerse themselves completely in the beauty and knowledge of nature during this four-day camp and adopt whatever they learn from here in their lives. A total of 32 students are participating in this camp who have come from six nearby high schools. These schools are – Sialmari High School, Vallabhbhai Higher Secondary School, Bachhimari ME Madrasa, Shankardev Jatiya Vidyalaya, Keramat Ali ME School, Basola High School and Fatasimolu ME School.
Cooperation of experts and organizations
Many prominent personalities participated in this event. These included Pradipta Barua, Field Director of Orang Tiger Reserve and Dr. Vibhav Kumar Talukdar, General Secretary of Aranyak Organization. Aranyak is a leading organization in the field of biodiversity conservation which has organized this camp. Dr. Talukdar thanked the Assam Forest Department and Orang Park Administration for their cooperation in this educational initiative. Pradipta Barua shared the experiences of previous camps and said that these increase both awareness and understanding among children. He urged the students to listen carefully to every session and move forward towards becoming more aware citizens.
Experience adventure along with education
The camp is giving children the opportunity to see and understand real wildlife not only in the classroom but also through jungle safari. Many experts are participating in the camp’s programs, including famous wildlife photographer Najib Ahmed, senior journalist Swapan Nath and local wildlife lover Baharul Islam. Arif Hussain, who is the manager of the Rhino Research and Conservation Division of Aranyak, said that this camp will make students aware about the protection of animals especially rhinoceros and tigers. This program is being organized in collaboration with David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation UK and its aim is to instill a sense of love and responsibility towards nature in the next generation.
