A vibrant convergence of art and conservation titled ‘Colours of vultures’ for raising awareness for vulture conservation was organised by Aaranyak in collaboration with Universal Creative Point, Jorhat, at Gallery Vision Art, Asom in Jorhat.
The exhibition that attracted around 30 artists and more than 50 artworks, used art as a powerful medium to raise awareness about vultures and their vital role in maintaining ecological balance. The initiative drew artists, conservationists, educators, students, nature enthusiasts and members of the public, creating an engaging platform for dialogue around wildlife conservation.
The exhibition was coordinated by Wasima Begum of Aaranyak, and Nayanika Borah, Founder, Universal Creative Point, whose collaboration brought the conservation and creative communities together around a shared environmental message.
The exhibition was conducted under the guidance of Aaranyak’s Senior Scientist, Secretary General and Executive Director, Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar and Senior Conservation Biologist, Dr. Dipankar Lahkar.
‘Colours for Vultures’ demonstrated how art can extend the reach of conservation beyond conventional platforms – turning creativity into a tool for awareness, dialogue and action.
A special inaugural programme was held on September 26 in the presence of Dr. Sangeeta Das, HoD, Department of Botany, Bahona College in Jorhat; Pranab Kumar Baruah, Senior Artist and Retired Professor, Assam Agricultural University; Bhupen Kumar Baruah, artist, social worker, science communicator and a retired official of Assam Agricultural University; Parikshit Baruah, artist and chairman, Vision Art Asom, Jorhat; and Hiren Dutta, Aaranyak. The programme was anchored by Darshana Barthakur.
The speakers highlighted the ecological importance of vultures as nature’s efficient scavengers and stressed the need for greater public awareness and community participation to address threats posed to vultures that include harmful veterinary drugs, pesticides, poisoned carcasses and habitat changes.
A key strength of the exhibition was its creative approach to conservation communication. Through diverse artistic expressions inspired by vultures, nature, biodiversity and conservation, the participating artists encouraged visitors to look beyond the aesthetics of art and recognise the ecological value of these often-overlooked birds.
The participating artists were felicitated for their contribution, while Diganta Baruah, Editor of Junaki Mel Sishu Aluchoni and social worker, was specially appreciated for his support in making the initiative successful.
The exhibition received an encouraging response with visitors engaging with the artworks and artists and exploring the conservation message behind the exhibition. The organisers also acknowledged the valuable support of Ashraf Ahmed, Jyotshna Bora, Nibedia Boruah, Chandramika Borah and Padum Dutta. Purabi Borgohain, Curator & Vice- Chairman, Vision Art Asom (VAA) graced the exhibition.