In an era where screens dominate our lives, reconnecting with nature offers a refreshing perspective. Although academic education focuses heavily on theoretical knowledge, practical experiences in nature can be profoundly fulfilling.
On 18th May 2024, three conservation filmmakers – Thangsoi M. Khiamniungan, Thejavikho Chase, and Jahnu Boruah – embarked on a Nature Education initiative to teach 15 students from classes IV, V and VI of Khelia Eco Club, Government Middle School in Choklangan Village, Noklak district.
Thangsoi M. Khiamniungan, a photographer and filmmaker, shared that his involvement in Nature Education began with a workshop by the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) and Canopy Collective in September 2023 at Pakke Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh.
He highlighted the importance of integrating Nature Education into the academic syllabus to preserve natural habitats before they are irreversibly damaged. He stressed that “academic education alone is not enough”. Thangsoi emphasized the necessity of teaching children about ecosystem care and sustainable forestry to ensure future generations can enjoy lush green forests.
Thejavikho Chase, also a filmmaker and nature educator, guided the students through a forest walk, focusing on worms and insects. Chase explained that by examining these often-overlooked creatures, students could develop a deeper appreciation for the biodiversity around them.
“Insects are frequently overlooked, but if we observe closely, we see a wealth of fascinating phenomena occurring right under our noses,” Chase remarked.
The students of GMS Choklangan Village participated in activities such as exploring the forest to study plants and insects and engaging in creative experiments and making them understand what is around them. They later shared their discoveries and experiences with their educators.
Phenungshei, a class 6 student, reflected on the experience, saying, “The one thing I was interested in was on that day, I was taking a walk in the nature with the birds chirping as the wind breezed my ears, the leaves of the trees gently being moved by the air.
The most important thing I learned that day was the importance of keeping the insects and animals safe within our area and the advantage of preserving our green forest as they give us raw and fresh air to breathe”.
The children expressed a desire for a longer nature education program, wishing it could extend over a week.
Additionally, on 25th August 2024, the educators organized a film screening for students and local communities of Choklangan Village, showcasing their own works:
“Honey Hunters of My Village” by Thangsoi M. Khiamniungan
“The Living World” by Lalvobika from Mizoram
“The World Cup Cicada” by Thejavikho Chase
The Nature Education trip underscored that some of the greatest lessons are learned not within classroom walls but in the natural world around us. It highlighted that nature education is not merely a subject but it is a way of life.
