ZIRO, October 2, 2026 — More than 200 students from across Lower Subansiri district showcased their creativity and commitment to nature conservation through a series of inter-school and inter-collegiate literary and creative competitions organised ahead of the 1st Ziro Bird & Butterfly Festival 2026.
The competitions were organised by the Hapoli Forest Division under the leadership of DFO Tilling Takar in collaboration with the Apatani Student Union (ASU). Held as part of the upcoming festival at Pange, Tale Wildlife Sanctuary, the programme also marked the celebration of the 72nd Wildlife Week 2026 and was conducted under the theme “Ane Ziro.”
A total of 231 students from 12 schools and two colleges participated in the competitions, which provided them with a platform to express their ideas and creativity on biodiversity, habitat protection and environmental conservation.
The Essay Writing Competition attracted 104 participants. Yangbiu Chipi of Class X from Love Dale Residential School, Hapoli, secured the first prize with 64 percent, while Toko Minia of Class X from Nime Ashram School, Old Ziro, stood second with 62.5 percent. Buru Hannah of Love Dale Residential School, Hapoli, secured the third position with 60 percent.
In the Poetry Writing and Elocution Competition, 52 participants competed for the top positions. Bijoyta Sharma, a B.Ed. student of Mudo Tamo Memorial College, Hapoli, won the first prize with 72.3 percent. Bomri Mary Gamlin of III Semester Education, St. Claret College, Ziro, secured the second prize with 70 percent, while Rajiya Khatun of Class XII Humanities, Dani Kunya Government Higher Secondary School, Ziro, won the third prize.
The Drawing Competition received 75 entries from students. Koj Monyo of Class IX, ABYSS Institute of Science, Hapoli, secured the first prize, followed by Toko Nuin of Class X, VKV School, Ziro, in second place. Bamin Tilling Gra of Class XI Humanities, Dani Kunya Government Higher Secondary School, Ziro, secured the third prize.
The Hapoli Forest Division appreciated the participation and support extended by students, teachers, educational institutions and community stakeholders for making the programme successful. The division also acknowledged the cooperation of the Apatani Student Union, particularly President Mum Hangu, Secretary Takhe Pugang and Education Secretary Koj Risang.
The organisers said student-centric programmes of this nature can play an important role in strengthening environmental awareness among young people and encouraging them to become responsible custodians of the rich biodiversity and natural heritage of Tale Wildlife Sanctuary.
