TAMENGLONG, Nov 21: The 9th Amur Falcon Festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Lower Ground, Tamenglong, drawing attention to the critical need for wildlife conservation and the cultural heritage of the region. The event was organized by the District Administration of Tamenglong, the Forest Department, and the Rainforest Club Tamenglong. It was graced by Chief Guest Awangbow Newmai, the Minister of Water Resources and Relief & Disaster Management, alongside the Guest of Honour, Janghemlung Panmei, the Tamenglong MLA, and Function President, N. Ganesh, IFS, DFO, Working Plan.
The festival was attended by various dignitaries, including Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing, district-level officers, civil society organization (CSO) leaders, students, and representatives from Amur Falcon roasting villages. The opening of the event featured vibrant cultural performances such as the Rih Laem dance by the Khunchung Dance Troupe and Phalong, as well as a cultural dance by the Puching Dance Troupe, highlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage.
In his welcome address, Dr. L. Angshim Dangshawa, the IAS Deputy Commissioner of Tamenglong, praised the villagers for their dedication to protecting the Amur Falcon, underlining the importance of students as the future stewards of the species.
The program also showcased a documentary produced by the Rainforest Club Tamenglong, which highlighted the majestic Amur Falcon and its natural habitat. A major highlight of the festival was the satellite tagging of two Amur Falcons, Guangram and Chiuluan 2, by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), emphasizing ongoing efforts to study and protect these migratory birds.
In his address, Janghemlung Panmei encouraged citizens to adhere to their fundamental duties and reiterated his personal commitment to conservation. He proudly stated that he has never tasted or eaten an Amur Falcon, reinforcing the message that Tamenglong is a protector of the species. He called on the public to spread this message to communities in China and Siberia and urged the Forest Department to educate the public about the laws that protect forests and wildlife.
The festival also celebrated the achievements of local students with the distribution of prizes and awards for various competitions related to the Amur Falcon Festival, including essay and painting contests, fostering creativity and awareness among the youth.
Chief Guest Awangbow Newmai highlighted that since 2015, Tamenglong has been a model of hope for the protection of the Amur Falcon, with satellite tagging of 5-6 birds helping the region gain international recognition for its efforts in wildlife conservation. He encouraged the people of Tamenglong to strive for greater independence and self-reliance, rather than depending solely on government support. Newmai emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue between the public and leaders to promote development and progress.
