Arup Guha Social worker who has been working to save the environment and wild life for past 30 years, addresing the gathering during the workshop
Alipurduar, West Bengal: Celebrations are always special because they bring happiness, joy and prosperity in thoughts and actions, adding positive values to one’s personality. Social get-togethers initiate sharing of ideas and promote effective learning. The Art of Living celebrated the World Wildlife Day on 3rd March, and organized its second workshop on ethno-musical narration of the Man & Elephant, ‘Balanced Habitat’ at Chuapara, Alipurduar district, West Bengal.
The first such workshop was organized on 22nd December, 2014 at Kalchini, with the collaboration of Yugantar Pariwar & NAS Groups (local NGOs). This Art of Living initiative aims at creating awareness among the people regarding the conflict between man and elephant, and their behavior. The workshop intends to stop deforestation and protect wild life, especially in Dooars, West Bengal.
Senior Art of Living teacher Shri Kishore Mukherjee from Bangalore and Shri Ashim Banerjee from Shilong, Meghalaya, Shri Arup Guha, elephant expert from Cooch Behar took part in the event. Other guests were Smt. AmshiTham (Naik), Pradhan of Chuapara Gram Panchayat, Sri Biren Mahali, Member of Kalchini Panchayat Samity, Ms. Sujata Lama, Panchayat Member of Chuapara GP, Sri Rajen Lama, Panchayat Member, Sri Dharmu Oraon and Sri Raju Mahali, trade union leader.
The region of Dooars, in Alipurduar district, is one of the primary habitats of the Indian Elephant, with around 600 elephants inhabiting the area. However, rapid deforestation and increase in human population have been affecting their habitat. This has triggered the Man-Elephant conflict, which often has drastic consequences. Loss of lives and property are reported regularly, and therefore, the locals are forced to solve the crisis.
Art of Living teacher K. Mukherjee inaugurated the workshop by lighting the diya (lamp). Teachers Ramkumar Lama and Utpal Gurai addressed the audience and assured that there would be individual development through learning and sharing. They observed a minute’s silence in memory of the lives lost, both of humans and elephants, in conflict.
A gathering of 60 individuals that included participants from Rava, Garo, Nepali, Meche, Adivasi and Bengali communities, discussed the importance of plants, animals, birds, rivers and mountains. YLTP volunteers Ajad Bhujel, PuspaThapa, Mery Barla, Jashmina Marak and others shared their experiences and probable solutions. Guhaalso presented some amazing pictures which portrayed harmony and love between the species in conflict.
Reported by: Rajesh kundu
