Environmental activist bags national award

Nabajyoti Baruah a resident of Kalaigaon and a known nature lover and wildlife activist being actively associated with man-elephant conflict mitigation community level programme at Indo-Bhutan border villages in Udalguri for the past decade was confered the C Subramaniam Award for Community Leadership by the National Foundation for India (NFI) under the Ministry of Security and Justice of Government of India for 2016-17 on March 2 last. Baruah is one of the eight selected representatives from across the country selected by the NFI for his commendable service in the field of ‘man-elephant conflict’ issue in Udalguri district and his contribution to raise the voice for the protection of wild elephants and safety of human resources. The award giving ceremony was held at NFI's office situated at Lodhi Road of New Delhi. The award carries a citation and a cash amount of Rs 50,000.

It may be mentioned that NFI a independent grant making and fundraising foundation, with a core mandate to strengthen philanthropy in India for public welfare and social transformation.

Besides voluntarily associating with community level awareness programme on man-elephant conflict mitigation in the region ,Baruah has also been instrumental in holding awareness programme of importance of protection of flora and fauna at remote villages.

Baruah has also produced visual documentary on man-elephant conflict in Udalguri region in 2014 besides being a versatille writer he has contributed numerous stories on wildlife in state vernacular dailies. Talking to this correspondent he expressed his gratitude towards NFI for the national recognitio and observed that he would dedicate his life for the purpose and the award was recognition to his service."The award has encouraged me and made me more determine in working for wildlife. " he said. "Man-elephant conflict is a burning issue in the region which needs immediate attention. Both government agencies and NGO's need to join hands to resolve the conflict and save human lives and properties.",he added.