ZIRO, Oct 2: In a major initiative to inspire environmental stewardship among youth, the Hapoli Forest Division under the leadership of DFO Tilling Takar, in active collaboration with the Apatani Student Union (ASU), successfully organized a series of inter-school and inter-collegiate literary and creative competitions on 26 October 2026. Held as part of the upcoming 1st Edition Ziro Bird & Butterfly Festival 2026 at Pange, Tale Wildlife Sanctuary, and in celebration of the 72nd Wildlife Week 2026, the event brought together 231 student participants from 12 schools and 2 colleges across Lower Subansiri district under the spirit of "Ane Ziro."

The competitions provided a platform for students to express their creativity and thoughts on biodiversity, habitat protection, and nature conservation. In the Essay Writing Competition, which drew 104 participants, YangbiuChipi (Class X, Love Dale Residential School, Hapoli) secured the 1st Prize with 64%, followed by Toko Minia (Class X, Nime Ashram School, Old Ziro) in 2nd place with 62.5%, and Buru Hannah (Love Dale Residential School, Hapoli) taking 3rd place with 60%.

The Poetry Writing & Elocution Competition saw 52 participants competing for top honors. Bijoyta Sharma (B.Ed., MudoTamo Memorial College, Hapoli) won 1st Prize with 72.3%, Bomri Mary Gamlin (III Semester Education, St. Claret College, Ziro) took 2nd Prize with 70%, and RajiyaKhatun (Class XII Humanities, Dani Kunya Government Higher Secondary School, Ziro) earned 3rd Prize. Meanwhile, the Drawing Competition featured 75 creative entries, with Koj Monyo (Class IX, ABYSS Institute of Science, Hapoli) winning 1st Prize, Toko Nuin (Class X, VKV School, Ziro) taking 2nd Prize, and Bamin Tilling Gra (Class XI Humanities, Dani Kunya Government Higher Secondary School, Ziro) securing 3rd Prize.

The Hapoli Forest Division extended its sincere appreciation to all participating students, teachers, institutions, and community stakeholders for making the programme a resounding success. Special recognition was given to the leadership of the Apatani Student Unionincluding President Mum Hangu, Secretary Takhe Pugang, and Education Secretary Koj Risang-for their active cooperation, emphasizing that such student-centric initiatives are vital for raising environmental awareness and inspiring young people to become responsible custodians of Tale Wildlife Sanctuary's rich natural heritage. (DIPRO)