- Dr. Utpal Chowdhury
The PG and Research Department of Botany, B. Borooah College (Autonomous), Guwahati, in collaboration with Nature’s Beckon, jointly organized a National Workshop on Biodiversity Conservation in Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks of Assam and North Bengal from 23rd to 27th November, 2025. The workshop was attended by 52 undergraduate and postgraduate students from the department.
This unique academic event provided a series of life-changing experiences, blending field learning, ecological exploration, and spiritual reflection. The Buxa Tiger Reserve, chosen as the venue for the workshop, served as a living classroom that inspired all of us and helped develop emotional connection with nature.
Located in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal, Buxa Tiger Reserve is one of the most scenic and biodiverse protected areas in eastern India. Established in 1983 and covering an area of approximately 760 Sq. Km, the reserve lies in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, along the Indo-Bhutan border.
The region boasts a rich variety of flora and fauna, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Gaur, Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, and a vibrant diversity of birds and butterflies. Its dense forests, rivers, and grasslands form a dynamic ecosystem that supports both wildlife and local communities. Beyond its biological significance, Buxa also holds deep cultural and ecological importance, being home to several ethnic groups who live harmoniously with nature.
With its breath-taking landscapes, tranquil environment, and thriving biodiversity, Buxa Tiger Reserve is an ideal site for nature education, field-based research, and conservation awareness.
This five-day National Workshop gave the entire group an exceptional opportunity of experiential learning not found in the conventional educational setups. It combined field visits, interactive sessions, discussions, and meditation practices, all carefully designed to integrate science with self-awareness. Participants explored the forest trails, observed wildlife habitats, interacted with forest officials, and learned about conservation challenges faced in the region.
One of the most unique aspects of the workshop was the meditation session conducted in the midst of nature. In the serene landscape of Buxa, participants sat quietly among the sounds of rustling leaves, flowing streams, and bird calls, learning how meditation could deepen their connection with the environment. For many, this was a first-hand experience of blending inner calm with ecological observation.
The facilitators emphasized that meditation enhances concentration, empathy, and sensitivity, all of which are crucial traits for anyone engaged in environmental studies and conservation.
I believe there are multipronged benefits of meditation for conservation awareness, like….
1. Meditation and Ecological Awareness
Meditation cultivates mindfulness, an awareness of one’s thoughts, emotions, and surroundings. Practiced amidst natural settings like the calm banks of the Jayanti River, it nurtures sensitivity toward the interconnectedness of all living beings. Through this awareness, individuals begin to appreciate the delicate balance of ecosystems and develop habits rooted in respect and responsibility toward the environment.
2. Emotional Connection with Nature
Meditation transforms how we perceive nature. Instead of viewing the forest merely as a resource, one begins to experience it as a living, breathing entity. The rhythmic sounds of the forest, the wind, the calls of birds, the murmur of streams all aligns with the inner stillness of meditation, creating a sense of unity. This emotional connection fosters empathy, compassion, and a deep sense of duty toward protecting the environment.
3. Enhancing Conservation Education and Research
For students, researchers, and conservationists, meditation acts as a mental discipline that encourages patience, focus, and clarity of thought which is essential for fieldwork and ecological research. It allows learners to reflect deeply on their observations, grasp the essence of sustainability, and strengthen their moral commitment to preserving natural habitats.
4. Reducing Stress and Encouraging Sustainable Living
Conservation work often involves long hours in challenging environments. Meditation helps reduce stress and enhances emotional stability, allowing individuals to remain calm and focused. It also promotes simple, sustainable living, reducing material desires and fostering an eco-friendly lifestyle that naturally aligns with conservation ethics.
5. Mindful Leadership in Conservation
True conservation demands not only scientific expertise but also vision, balance, and empathy. Meditation nurtures these qualities, helping leaders make ethical and inclusive decisions that consider both human and ecological well-being. In a place like Buxa Tiger Reserve, where wildlife conservation coexists with local livelihoods, such mindfulness-based leadership is invaluable.
All participants of the National Workshop practiced meditation as guided, and experienced a profound sense of renewal and connection with nature. The experience at Buxa Tiger Reserve transcended academic learning. It became a journey of self-discovery and environmental realization.
Through meditation, participants understood that true conservation begins within the self, through awareness, compassion, and harmony with the natural world. The workshop demonstrated that meditation can serve not only as a personal spiritual practice but also as a scientific and educational tool that enhances our understanding of ecology.
The lessons learned at Buxa continue to inspire participants to adopt a more holistic, mindful, and compassionate approach to environmental protection. It will remind us that safeguarding nature is ultimately an expression of inner peace and respect for life in all its forms.
I reman grateful to Mr. Soumyadeep Datta, Director, Nature’s Beckon; Ms. Novanita Sharma, Coordinator, Nature’s Beckon, Guwahati; Mr. Kripa Lochan Das, Elephant Expert; Mr. Jyotirmoy Kalita; the forest officials of Buxa Tiger Reserve, West Bengal; and all others who provided assistance, hospitality, and logistical support during the field trip.
