Digapahandi/Patapur: Students of Ramajee Degree College at Bhismagiri village under Digapahandi block in Ganjam district took a pledge to protect elephants and forests during Hati Sabha, a special awareness meeting on elephant conservation, Monday.
The programme was organised by Dharitri, Orissa POST, Tree Foundation, Sheragada and Bikash Saathi. Students vowed never to harm elephants, engage in poaching or destroy forests, stressing that saving elephants means saving nature, and saving nature means saving humanity. Chief guest Principal Nihar Ranjan Kar highlighted the ecological and social importance of elephants. Dharitri reporter Asheshnath Mishra briefed the gathering on the impact of elephants in the local area. Secretary Nirakar Bishoi of Tree Foundation noted that elephants preserve forests, which in turn safeguard water and soil, ultimately sustaining human life.
Faculty members, including Kanhu Charan Padhi, Itiprabha, Priyadarshini Pradhan and Rashmita Kumari were present in the Hati Sabha. Over 120 students actively participated in the discussion and oath-taking. Faculty member Debabrata Panda coordinated the event and gave away the vote of thanks. Office bearers of Bikash Saathi Tushar Behera, Achyuta Bishoi and Chandrasekhar Das assisted in conducting the programme.
