ZIRO, OCT 2:
The Hapoli Forest Division, in collaboration with the Apatani Student Union (ASU), organised a series of inter-school and inter-collegiate literary and creative competitions as part of preparations for the first edition of the Ziro Bird & Butterfly Festival 2026 and the 72nd Wildlife Week 2026.
Held at Pange in Tale Wildlife Sanctuary under the theme “Ane Ziro”, the competitions brought together 231 students from 12 schools and two colleges across Lower Subansiri district.
The competitions provided students an opportunity to express their creativity and perspectives on biodiversity, habitat protection and nature conservation.
In the Essay Writing Competition, 104 students participated. Yangbiu Chipi of Class X from Love Dale Residential School, Hapoli, secured the first prize with 64 per cent, followed by Toko Minia of Class X, Nime Ashram School, Old Ziro, with 62.5 per cent. Buru Hannah of Love Dale Residential School secured the third prize with 60 per cent.
The Poetry Writing and Elocution Competition saw 52 participants. Bijoyta Sharma of B.Ed., Mudo Tamo Memorial College, Hapoli, won the first prize with 72.3 per cent, while Bomri Mary Gamlin of III Semester Education, St Claret College, Ziro, secured the second prize with 70 per cent. Rajiya Khatun of Class XII Humanities, Dani Kunya Government Higher Secondary School, Ziro, won the third prize.
In the Drawing Competition, which received 75 entries, Koj Monyo of Class IX, ABYSS Institute of Science, Hapoli, secured the first prize, followed by Toko Nuin of Class X, VKV School, Ziro, and Bamin Tilling Gra of Class XI Humanities, Dani Kunya Government Higher Secondary School, Ziro.
The Hapoli Forest Division appreciated the participation of students, teachers, educational institutions and community stakeholders. It also acknowledged the cooperation of the Apatani Student Union, including President Mum Hangu, Secretary Takhe Pugang and Education Secretary Koj Risang.
The initiative underscored the importance of engaging young people in environmental awareness and encouraging them to become responsible custodians of the natural heritage of Tale Wildlife Sanctuary.
