A one-day School Students Sensitisation Programme on Sangai Day was organised at the auditorium of Padma Ratna English School (PRES), Kakching, on Thursday with the objective of creating awareness among students on the conservation of the endangered Sangai deer, environmental protection and biodiversity conservation.
The programme was jointly organised by the Sangai First Foundation (SfF), Manipur. Presiding over the function, Principal of PRES, Thokchom Jiten, highlighted the importance of environmental education and conservation awareness among young people.
Delivering the keynote address, SfF Vice-President K. Jugeshor spoke on the significance of wildlife conservation and the challenges facing the endangered Sangai and its habitat at Keibul Lamjao National Park. He said the programme was aimed at promoting mass awareness among students for the long-term conservation of Manipur’s state animal.
Chief Functionary of ADAM, Kakching, Surjit Kshetrimayum lauded the foundation’s conservation efforts and announced a pilot initiative titled “One Teacher, One Plant” to encourage participation in afforestation and environmental protection activities.
SfF President Dr. Kh. Shamungou delivered a presentation on the historical, biological and ecological significance of the Sangai and its habitat at Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating national park. He stressed the need for collective efforts to protect the species and its fragile ecosystem.
A spot quiz competition on Sangai and environmental conservation was also conducted, with 113 students participating. Twenty-eight students were selected as winners and will be felicitated during the 3rd Sangai Day Celebration scheduled for December 10, 2026.
As part of the programme, a demonstration on the significance of Uningthou, the state tree of Manipur, was conducted and a sapling was planted within the school campus as a symbol of commitment to environmental conservation. Dr. Shamungou also donated 13 books authored by him to the school library for the benefit of students and researchers.
Earlier in the day, the “Save Sangai Campaign Block” was inaugurated at Angaan Ching Eco Park. The commemorative stone was unveiled by Dr. Shamungou in the presence of foundation members, volunteers and environmental enthusiasts. Indigenous tree saplings, including Uningthou, were also planted at the site.
According to the organisers, the Save Sangai Campaign Block has been established as a dedicated awareness centre to promote wildlife conservation, environmental protection and public participation in safeguarding the Sangai and its natural habitat.
The programme concluded with participants taking a pledge to work towards the conservation of the Sangai and the environment for future generations.