Tezpur: Raj Sourav Borkotoki, a young boy studying in the Junior KG standard from Sonitpur district, has begun drawing attention for his remarkable courage and enthusiasm in the field of snake rescue and conservation. Despite his tender age, the child has overcome the common fear associated with snakes and stepped forward to participate in rescue efforts, gradually emerging as one of the youngest snake rescuers in India.
At present, Swayam Majumdar (15) from Assam is widely regarded as the youngest snake rescuer in the country. Having begun rescuing snakes at the age of 12, he has so far rescued more than a hundred snakes and has also played a notable role in snake conservation and awareness campaigns. However, this record may soon face a challenge as Raj Sourav Borkotoki from Sonitpur district has reportedly begun assisting in snake rescue activities at the age of just five.
“Raj Sourav does not panic on seeing a snake. Instead, he attempts to rescue the reptiles carefully and release them back into their natural habitat,” a neighbour said while speaking about the young boy. The neighbour further added that Raj has also been spreading awareness among people to dispel misconceptions about snakes. Raj’s initiative in wildlife conservation has sent a positive message in society, particularly regarding the importance of protecting nature and biodiversity.
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Significantly, Raj’s father, Sourabh Borkotoky, is a well-known snake expert. Following in his father’s footsteps, the young boy has been learning the techniques of snake rescue. The father–son duo is often seen carrying out rescue operations in different parts of Sonitpur district, including Dhekiajuli, Tezpur, and Barchala. Their work recently drew attention after Raj rescued a non-venomous snake on March 12 from a Christian hostel at Kumar Gaon. According to the young rescuer, the snake was a non-venomous Indian Rat Snake (Ptyas mucosa). The species, locally known as Mochoa Gom, Holonga Gom, Bairakh, or Hulaboriya, is harmless to humans. Raj carefully rescued the snake and later released it into a safe natural habitat. Through his activities, Raj Sourav urges people to gain proper knowledge about snakes, especially to learn how to distinguish between venomous and non-venomous species. He also advises the public not to attempt snake rescue without proper training.
Speaking to The Assam Rising, Raj’s father Sourabh Borkotoky said that he has been training his son about snakes, wildlife, and plants since the age of four so that he can develop a deeper understanding of nature and contribute to conservation awareness.
