Dimapur, October 4 : Raj Bhavan has set aside a spot of love for humankind’s closest neighbours, the animals of the world. World Animal Day is celebrated on October 4 as a call to action for animals’ rights and welfare.
“It's a day for advocacy, education, unity, involvement, and the raising of awareness for all of the animal issues that exist throughout the world,” Governor of Nagaland PB Acharya stated in his message on said day.
The governor said in one good length that the objective of World Animal Day was to celebrate animal life in all its forms, celebrate humankind’s relationship with the animal kingdom; a time to acknowledge the diverse roles that animals play in one’s life from being companions to supporters and helpers.
‘They bring a sense of wonder into our lives, and acknowledge and be thankful for the way in which animals enrich our lives,” the governor said.
Acharya lamented that although Nagaland had been blessed with ‘rich habitats for animal kingdom,’ natural resources are being misused; the state’s forests are being destroyed randomly; habitats are being fragmented for roadways; illegal wildlife trade and poaching are wiping out entire populations of animals and birds.
The Blyth`s Tragopan, for instance, he said, is one of the most beautiful birds among the Pheasants found in India and also Nagaland’s State Bird “is hardly seen in the wild anymore and is on the verge of extinction.”
Likewise, the Mithun, the State Animal, is also seen but only in few breeding places, he said.
The governor stated: “Through increased awareness and education and the concerted efforts of all we can create a world where animals are always recognised as sentient beings and full regard is paid to their welfare. It’s our responsibility to help protect them so that their future generations can grow and thrive, and, in turn, our future generations can be blessed with the joy of sharing their lives with them too.”
Calling for preservation of the environment, wildlife and nature in general, the governor cautioned that disturbing nature has invited floods, landslide, change of river course, erosion, change of climate, among others.
“Let us live and let live our birds, animals for our happiness and safe life,” Acharya said in his appeal.
