Book on ‘Butterflies in Assam: Diversity and Ecology’ unveiled

A Correspondent

DIBRUGARH: A book launch cum invited talk event was successfully organized on Friday at Dibrugarh University under the initiative of the Dean, Faculty of Biological Sciences.

The event took place at the Sri Sri Aniruddhadev Bhawan, located within the university’s History Department premises, at 4:00pm.

The programme commenced with the presentation of the University Anthem, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and invocation to Goddess Saraswati. The welcome address was delivered by Dr Dipsikha Bora, Senior Professor and Dean, Biological  Sciences, Dibrugarh University.

Following the welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of Dibrugarh University, Professor Jiten Hazarika, delivered his inaugural speech. In his address, the importance of clarity in thought and thorough research in the process of writing a book was emphasized. He expressed hope that the book launched on the occasion would significantly benefit students and researchers alike.

Following the Vice-Chancellor’s remarks, Dr. Rupam Saikia, Inspector of Colleges, Dibrugarh University, delivered a brief talk on butterflies and their connection with human life from the perspective of an admirer of nature.

The highlight of the event was the release of the book titled “Butterflies in Assam: Diversity and Ecology”, authored by Professor Dipsikha Bora along with her associates. The book was formally unveiled during the programme.

Subsequently, a book review of the newly-released book written by Professor Parimal Chandra Bhattacharjee, retired professor from the Department of Zoology, Gauhati University, and a noted environmentalist, was read out.  The contents of the book launched were discussed in detail by Professor S.R. Hajong from the Department of Zoology, North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Meghalaya, expressing the significance of the content of the book and conveying his hope that it would meet the expectations of both the readers and researchers. Adding to the academic depth of the event, Prof. Hajong delivered an invited lecture titled “Butterfly Cicadas”. He shed light on the butterfly-like cicadas found across Meghalaya and the borders, elaborating  their diversity and ecological significance.  He invited the young generation to be aware of the rich animal diversity of north eastern region.

It is worth noting that the co-authors of the book “Butterflies in Assam: Diversity and Ecology” are Anisha Phukan, Phalgun Chetia, Amrita Mech, Jyoti Agrahari, and Pooja Nag. The authors credited Jhuma Gogoi for the cover photograph, Himangshu Lahkar for design, and Astral International, New Delhi for publishing the book.

The event also included a prize distribution ceremony for the winners of an essay competition organised by the DST-WISE PhD Fellow of the Department of Life Sciences among school and college students. The competition was held in two categories.

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