Udalguri-Sonitpur, July 17: The Sarpabandhab Saurav Borkotoki Team on Friday launched its World Snake Day 2026 celebrations with a series of awareness programmes, plantation drives and awards recognising contributions to snake conservation, wildlife rescue and environmental protection.
The programme began with the planting of a Rudraksha sapling, inaugurated by senior journalist Arup Kalita. The formal function at Baliram Sabhagriha commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Prakriti Group president Tutumoni Kalita. The session was chaired by team president Pushpa Deka, while Italy Das of the team’s Study Forum delivered the welcome address.
A documentary titled Sarpabandhab Saurav Borkotoki: An Expedition was screened during the event. Director Sanjay Baruah, who is also the team’s Chief Editor, and assistant director Rajballav Sharma, a recipient of the Sarpabandhu title, were felicitated for their contributions.
Sonitpur District Commissioner Anand Kumar Das attended the programme as the chief guest and presented the Snakebite Life Saver Award to noted paediatrician Dr Shafini Beryl B. Nature enthusiast Nishanta Kumar Bordoloi received the Paribesh Prahari (Environment Guardian) award.
The Sarpabandhu title was conferred on three snake rescuers from Assam—Champak Sharma of Rangia, Banjit Das of Kamrup and Luhit Saikia of Tezpur—in recognition of their work in wildlife conservation and snake rescue.
In the children’s category, Ankurjyoti Bora and Hemantika Behera were honoured with the Nilkantha award by team president Pushpa Deka.
The programme, hosted by senior journalist Tarun Das, featured addresses by District Commissioner Anand Kumar Das, Dr Shafini Beryl B., Dr Ripun Chutiya, Dr Bhawani Bhuyan, former Forest Officer Ramesh Gogoi and other invited speakers.
The team also recognised Raj Saurav Borkotoki, India’s youngest snake rescuer, Lok Seva Aayog Award recipient Bapdhan Das and Seuj Rakshak Award recipient Mochinur Rahman as the Best Companions of the Year.
