Guwahati: Amidst the lush, verdant expanse of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, a constellation of royalty, luminaries, and dedicated conservationists converged for the “Wonders of the Wild” gala, a celebration of wildlife preservation and artistic expression.
The event, held in support of the Elephant Family, a charity founded by the late Mark Shand, resonated deeply with attendees, particularly as it honored the enduring legacy of Shand’s passion for the natural world.
Queen Camilla, in a touching moment, presented the esteemed Mark Shand Award to Dr. Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar, a distinguished conservationist hailing from Assam’s Aaranyak, an NGO renowned for its tireless efforts in Asian elephant conservation.
Dr. Lahkar’s groundbreaking work in mitigating human-elephant conflict within the challenging terrain of Manas National Park was lauded as a beacon of hope, highlighting the critical role of grassroots initiatives in safeguarding endangered species.
The award served as a poignant tribute to Shand’s vision, recognizing individuals who embody his unwavering commitment to wildlife protection.
The gala, a culmination of the Big Egg Hunt fundraiser, which saw giant, artistically designed eggs scattered across London, underscored the power of creative expression in raising awareness for environmental causes. King Charles, in his address, emphasized the imperative of collaborative action in addressing the escalating challenges facing our planet’s ecosystems.
Queen Camilla, meanwhile, shared heartfelt recollections of her brother’s profound connection with wildlife, his spirit living on through the vital work of the Elephant Family.
The evening’s proceedings also shone a light on the impactful collaborations between Aaranyak, the Balipara Foundation, and other local organizations in Assam, underscoring the vital role of community-driven conservation in safeguarding the region’s rich biodiversity.
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