Aaranyak, a leading biodiversity conservation organisation in Northeast India, on Wednesday celebrated its 38th Foundation Day, marking the completion of 37 years of conservation, research and community-oriented work.
The Foundation Day was observed at Aaranyak’s headquarters in Guwahati as well as at its field stations across Assam, including the Kaziranga, Manas, Dibrugarh and Udalguri landscapes.
Aaranyak began its journey on September 9, 1989, as a neighbourhood nature club in Beltola, Guwahati, under the leadership of a group of young environmental enthusiasts led by its present Secretary General, Dr Bibhab Kumar Talukdar. Over the past 37 years, the organisation has grown into a research-driven conservation institution working on biodiversity, wildlife and human wellbeing.
The celebrations at the headquarters began with the hoisting of the Aaranyak flag by Vice-President Narayan Mahanta, a former Conservator of the Assam Forest Department. Staff members, researchers, members and Executive Committee representatives joined in singing Assam’s state anthem, ‘O Mur Apunar Desh’.
Addressing the gathering, Mahanta praised Aaranyak’s research-based conservation efforts and its consistent cooperation with the Forest Department and other stakeholders in protecting Assam’s biodiversity.
Programme Secretary Dr Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar congratulated the organisation for its successful 37-year journey, saying Aaranyak had evolved from a small nature club into a globally recognised conservation organisation.
Organising Secretary Udayan Borthakur stressed the need to maintain Aaranyak’s high standards as a scientific and research-based organisation. He also called for systematic documentation of its work to strengthen the organisation’s future.
Publicity Secretary Bijay Sankar Bora highlighted the vision of Aaranyak’s founders and stressed the importance of teamwork and coordination among its various divisions.
Senior conservationist Dr Purnima Devi Barman recalled her journey with Aaranyak since joining as a researcher in 2002. She credited the organisation with supporting her conservation work and called for greater innovation to further strengthen Aaranyak.
The programme also featured a ‘Smriti Tarpan’ and lighting of earthen lamps, followed by an interactive ‘Aaranyak Adda’ involving staff members, researchers and conservation leaders.
Senior conservation scientist Dr Dilip Chetry, life member Dr Namita Brahma, Arup Kumar Das, Dr Pranjal Kumar Das, Avishek Sarkar and Madhumita Borthakur were among those present.
The entire celebration was digitally documented by Aaranyak’s public relations and documentation teams.