Jalpaiguri, July 4, 2026:  Wildlife conservation begins with awareness, and there is no better way to inspire future conservationists than by engaging young minds. As part of the Gajo Utsav celebration under the Gaja Yatra programme, a youth engagement programme organised by SPOAR (Society for Protecting Ophiofauna & Animal Rights) in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), in partnership with the Nature and Wildlife Association (NWA) and the West Bengal Forest Department in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal.

The event brought together students, educators, conservationists, forest officials, and community members to celebrate the importance of elephant conservation and encourage active participation in protecting India’s rich wildlife heritage.

The programme commenced with the traditional ceremonial lighting of the lamp by distinguished guests, including the Chief guest,  Mr. Bhaskar J.V., CCF (Wildlife), North, Mr. Dwija Pratim Sen, DFO, Gorumara Wildlife Division, Mr. Sajal Sarkar, DFO, Social Forestry Division, Mr. Anujit Basu of NWA, Mr. Raj Basu of ACT,  retired Divisional Forest Officers, representatives of various NGOs.

Gajo Utsav is a celebration under WTI’s Gaj Yatra initiative aimed at safeguarding the future of India’s National Heritage Animal, the Asian elephant | Photo © Team WTI

During the inaugural session, Chief Guest Shri J. V. Bhaskar highlighted the crucial role that students and the youth can play in wildlife conservation efforts. This was followed by a keynote presentation by Mr Shuvayu Modak, Consultant at WTI, who spoke about the history, significance, and objectives of Gajotsav, an initiative launched by WTI in January 2026 in collaboration with the West Bengal Forest Department, supported by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies. He emphasised the importance of elephant conservation and the active participation of local communities in protecting wildlife.

Quiz competition conducted by Quiz Master and CEO of SPOAR, Mr. Shyam Prasad Pandey | Photo © Team WTI

The highlight of the event was the Inter-School Wildlife Quiz Competition, which saw enthusiastic participation from 17 teams representing schools across Jalpaiguri district. The programme also featured a college-level elocution competition on the theme, “The Role of Political Parties in Conservation of Wildlife,” where participants delivered thought-provoking perspectives on environmental governance and conservation. 

The prize distribution ceremony was graced by the Deputy Registrar of the Kolkata High Court, whose presence added prestige to the occasion.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. S. P. Pandey, CEO of SPOAR, who expressed his gratitude to the collaborating organisations, dignitaries, participants, volunteers, and all those who contributed to the success of the event.