Commemorating the Wildlife Week 2026 “Connecting Habitats, Thriving Wildlife”, The Department of Zoology, and the IQAC, Asufii Christian Institute (Autonomous), Mao, in collaboration with Canon, India, and MPVA (Mao Photographers and Videographers Association) celebrated two days engagement on ecological diversity and conservation with the theme: Capturing Coexistence through the Lens Conservation on date 9th & 10th Oct. 2026.
The theme was expounded by the Head of the Department (HoD), Zoology, who highlighted the significance of coexistence between humans and wildlife. The session emphasised the importance of understanding ecological relationships, preserving natural habitats, and promoting responsible practices that support biodiversity conservation. The theme encouraged participants to view photography not merely as an artistic pursuit but also as a meaningful tool for documenting nature and raising conservation awareness.
A speech on “What Photography Can Do” was delivered by Mr. Hriiyio Paul, President of MPVA, who spoke about the transformative power of photography in capturing moments, telling compelling stories, and bringing environmental issues to public attention. The session highlighted how photographs can evoke emotions, shape public perception, and inspire collective action towards wildlife protection and environmental sustainability.
Adding a practical dimension to the observation, Canon India conducted a technical session on photography, followed by a hands-on field experience, facilitated by experts, Mr. Jeevan Jyoti Bhattacharya, Sales and Marketing Manager, Canon India (NE) and Mr. Bondeep Khound, Canon Certified Trainer and Technical Support, Canon India, organized for the students and the Faculties members. Participants were introduced to the technical aspects of photography and gained practical exposure to capturing wildlife and natural surroundings. Photography and painting competitions constituted an integral component of the week-long observance, providing a creative platform for students to articulate their perspectives on wildlife, biodiversity, and conservation.
Reiterating the urgency of Preservation and Conservation of Wildlife in and around the Mao area, the Dept. of Zoology, ACI (Autonomous), Mao, headed by Dr. Soreiphy Mungkung, Dr. Diwakar Kshetriya, Faculty, and Miss. A. Ashuni, Faculty, along with the Team from Canon India (NE), and MPVA team took to the trails from Kapengho to Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Office, Song Song Block, with the students for a hands-on experience on wildlife photography. The field session provided an opportunity to apply the concepts discussed during the technical session while encouraging participants to observe nature closely and practice responsible wildlife photography.
The observance concluded with a renewed emphasis on the importance of coexistence, responsible engagement with wildlife, and the role of visual storytelling in conservation. The theme, “Capturing Coexistence Through the Lens of Conservation,” served as a reminder that every photograph has the potential to tell a story, inspire awareness, and contribute to the protection of our shared natural heritage.
The Department of Zoology, and the IQAC, ACI (Autonomous), Mao expresses their sincere appreciation to the Team Canon India (NE), and MPVA, for sharing their expertise and time with the students and Faculty members of Asufii Christian Institute (Autonomous), Mao, Manipur
