Pobitora, Assam, September 24, 2026: World Rhino Day was observed at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary on September 22 with a special programme held in memory of Muna Wala, one of the sanctuary’s oldest and most recognisable rhinoceroses, which died in August this year.
The programme was organised in collaboration with the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary authorities and saw the participation of students from Minerva Academy and Lokapriya GNB High School.
Around 85 participants, including students, teachers, frontline forest staff, conservation practitioners and members of the wildlife conservation community, attended the programme. The event focused on raising awareness among young people about the ecological importance of the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros and recognising the efforts of forest personnel and local communities in protecting the species.
The programme began with a screening of She Will Never Wake Up, a documentary directed by wildlife filmmaker Champak Deka, which received the Best Director of Photography award at SVIFF 2026. The screening was followed by an interaction and experience-sharing session with senior frontline forest staff, who recalled their experiences of working with rhinos and their encounters with Muna Wala.
Range Officer Ujjal Choudhary highlighted the continued efforts of frontline forest personnel to protect rhinos and other wildlife despite challenging field conditions.
Senior Researcher of Aaranyak Ujjal Bayan spoke about the ecological significance of rhinoceroses and stressed the importance of collective efforts for their long-term conservation. He said effective protection measures must be complemented by awareness, community participation and the involvement of younger generations.
An interactive session on wildlife photography was conducted by Binod Deka of SHIPA, who introduced students to the fundamentals of wildlife photography and the importance of responsible wildlife observation.
The programme also included a quiz on rhinos, wildlife and conservation, followed by a drawing competition on the theme “গঁড় আৰু প্ৰকৃতি (Rhino and Nature)”.
The programme was anchored by Dr. Somoyita Sur. Aaranyak Field Assistant Dhritiman Sonowal, K9 Handler Shailendra Daimary and Forest Guard Naurattam Deka assisted with the arrangements and coordination.
The celebration also served as a tribute to Muna Wala, whose long presence at Pobitora had made the rhinoceros a familiar part of the memories of frontline forest staff and the wider conservation community.
The programme concluded with a call for continued cooperation among the Forest Department, conservation organisations, local communities and young people to ensure the long-term protection of the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros and its habitat.
The event was funded by Fondation Segré and organised in collaboration with the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary authorities, WWF, SHIPA and conservation practitioners.
