Manas Tiger Reserve Inspires Young Conservationists Through “Nature Orientation” Program

Manas Tiger Reserve Inspires Young Conservationists Through “Nature Orientation” Program

MAHABAHU DESK

Barpeta Road, Assam, February 6, 2026 – To foster a deeper bond between the youth and the natural heritage of Assam, Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve (MNPTR) organized a four-day “Nature Orientation” program from February 3 to 6, 2026. Held in collaboration with Aaranyak’s “Rhino Goes to School” initiative, the event is a key component of the “Manas Mitra” project-a community outreach mission launched a year ago to bridge the gap between fringe villages and forest conservation.

The program was conducted across four park fringe schools: Bonmajra Bodo ME School, Khamardisa High School, Panbari Girls’ School, and Labdanguri ME School with participation of over 600 students. The curriculum focused on the ecological significance of Manas, with special emphasis on the protection of the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros. To engage the students, Aaranyak hosted interactive quiz and drawing competitions.

During the ceremony, the gesture carried more weight than its playful appearance might suggest. Each student received an animal mask-crafted with care from sustainable materials and painted with non-toxic colors-as well as a set of customized pencils. The masks featured creatures drawn from the reserve’s biodiversity, from the stealthy tiger to other emblematic species that share the habitat, with textures and colors designed to be visually striking yet comfortable to wear.

The pencils bore the student’s name along with a small icon of the reserve map and a brief pledge-“I protect, I observe, I act”-etched or printed along the barrel. The combination of mask and pencil was deliberate: the mask allowed students to visualize and embody the animals they protect, while the pencil served as a practical, daily reminder to take mindful, conservation-minded actions in schoolwork and daily life.

The symbolism was reinforced by the setting and messaging. The masks, with their bold patterns and tactile materials, invited students to discuss animal behavior, habitat needs, and human-wildlife coexistence. The customized pencils became a constant, personal touchpoint—used in science journals, note-taking during nature walks, and writing assignments that linked classroom learning to real-world stewardship.

Teachers explained that wearing the mask during eco-activities could spark curiosity and empathy, while the engraved pencils would remind each student of their responsibility to reduce waste, report unusual wildlife activity, participate in habitat-cleanups, and share what they learn with family and friends. By tying identity (the mask) to action (the pencil), the gesture turned a simple souvenir into a daily practice of guardianship.

A major highlight of the initiative was the selection of 50 students for a complimentary safari titled “Jungle Journey for Juniors (J3).” This specialized “learning-by-exploring” excursion allows students to experience the forest firsthand, providing a unique opportunity to understand ecosystem services and the practicalities of wildlife conservation.

By turning students into “Manas Mitras,” the program would significantly strengthen local support for wildlife protection, ensuring that the next generation remains committed to the survival of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

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