26 trainees successfully completed the 12th batch of Forester-1 training programme which commenced from September 1, 2023. With the completion of the training programme, a convocation programme was held on Thursday, at State Environment and Forestry Training Institute (SEFTI) Dimapur.
The convocation programme was graced by Monitoring and Evaluation Nagaland, Dr. N Senthil Kumar, CCF as the chief guest. Congratulating the trainees, Kumar emphasized on Nagaland’s rich biodiversity, highlighting its unique flora and fauna, such as clouded leopards, elephants, orchids, and rhododendrons, essential for ecosystem balance. He urged trainees to see themselves as guardians of biodiversity, stressing its significance to cultural identity and livelihoods. With tribal communities having long coexisted with forests, he urged sincerity, discipline, and punctuality in protecting Nagaland’s natural wealth. Encouraging tree planting and collective action against deforestation and climate challenges, Kumar underscored the importance of implementing conservation acts like the Nagaland Forest Act and Wildlife Act, Jhum Land Act, Wildlife Act, etc.
A one-minute silent prayer was observed in solemn remembrance of one of the trainees who passed away during the course of the training programme. Highlights of the event also include release of 4th edition magazine.
Academic batch report and declaration of result was delivered by director M Shakiba Yimchunger, who informed that the training for the 12th batch of forester-1 has completed the six months training successfully. The training commenced on September 1, 2023, with 26 forester-1 and one deputy ranger as trainees from 11 divisions including four female trainees of the department.
He mentioned that due to large number of untrained forester-1, many of whom were on the verge of job retirement, special emphasis was made to select the senior most staffs in terms of age as well as length in service. He also highlighted the implementation of new training guidelines. Short speech was also delivered by trainee Imsuwapang.
Trainees were awarded certificates based on the aggregate score as well as other awards-best forester in academics, best forester in overall performance and best forester in extracurricular activities.
The programme was chaired by Raj Priy Singh, CF (RPU), welcome address was delivered by faculty Imtitongdang Ozukum and vote of thanks was delivered by faculty Sosinle Magh.