STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: On 9th September 2019 Aaranyak, one of the oldest and largest nature conservation organizations of Northeast India, is completing 30 years of its existence. In these three decades, the organization has evolved from a neighborhood nature club to one of the premiere non-government organizations in the country involved in research, education, advocacy and capacity building for biodiversity conservation and environmental protection. During its 30 years of existence, Aaranyak has not only reached the remote corners of Northeast India, but has expanded its base to other parts of Eastern and central Himalaya as well as set its foot internationally in South and Southeast Asia.
On this day, with good wishes and support of people from all walks of life having a shared passion for nature conservation, Aaranyak is gearing up to celebrate its 30th foundation day. A day-long programme including ‘Aaranyak Foundation Day Lecture’ and ‘Lifetime Contribution Award’, both instituted since last year, is being organized in the presence of eminent guests and dignitaries, Aaranyak members and staff. The speaker this year for Aaranyak Foundation Day Lecture is Dr Akhilesh Gupta, Senior Scientist of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India and an eminent climate expert on climate change and sustainable development. He will speak on ‘Climate Change and India’s Sustainable Development Pathway”. The recipient of the Lifetime Contribution Award will be announced on the day. In addition to this, a panel discussion on ‘Challenges and prospects of protecting and conserving vultures in Assam’, will be held with the participation of well-known subject experts, thus helping to set a roadmap of actions for conservation of this species on the verge of extinction.
An exhibition of photographs depicting Aaranyak’s journey in past 30 years, along with display of historical documents as well Aaranyak publications has also been organized on the day. A cultural program in the evening by invited artistes and Aaranyak staff and members will mark the end of the celebrations. Tarun Chandra Kalita, well-known Sarod exponent of Assam will perform a Sarod recital in the inaugural program of the evening cultural function.