In a grand ceremony celebrating India’s first dedicated award show for Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers, the Eco Warrior Awards 2024, the second edition, was held on September 11. This prestigious event honored exceptional individuals and initiatives for their significant contributions to environmental conservation and sustainable practices. The day also marked the annual observance of National Forest Martyrs Day.
Union Minister of Forests, Climate Change, and Environment, Mr. Bhupender Yadav, was scheduled to be the Chief Guest. However, due to an urgent cabinet meeting convened by the Prime Minister, he was unable to attend in person. Despite his absence, Mr. Yadav sent a special video message to inspire and encourage the dedicated forest officers present at the ceremony.
Among the other distinguished guests were Mr. Jitendra Kumar, Director General of Forests; Mr. C.P. Goyal, Member of the Central Empowered Committee; Dr. S.P. Yadav, Patron of the IFS Association; Dr. S.K. Awasthi, President of the Indian Forest Service Officers’ Association and Secretary General of the IFS Association; Dr. Suneesh Buxy; and Mr. Sharad Gupta, Editor of Indian Mastermind.
Special guests included Mr. Randeep Hooda, a distinguished actor and wildlife enthusiast, and Mr. Rahul Mittra, a renowned filmmaker and passionate environmental advocate.
The Eco Warrior Awards 2024 was organized jointly by Indian Masterminds and the Indian Forest Service Association. The awards were sponsored by India’s leading natural gas company, GAIL – Energizing Possibilities; BPCL – Energizing Lives; HPCL, a Maharatna company in the oil and gas sector; and NTPC – Transforming Lives. Additional sponsors included Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Ltd, a government undertaking, and Learning Jockey – Genuine is Rare. Technology partner Marut Seedcopter – One Step Towards Green India and adventure partner Hero X Pulse – Make New Tracks also supported the event.
The evening began with the traditional lighting of the lamp and was followed by a National Conclave on “Promoting Eco-Friendly Tourism that Protects Wildlife,” where IFS officers Mr. Govind Sagar Bhardwaj (Additional Director General, NTCA), Mr. Dheeraj Pandey (Chief Conservator of Forests, Kumaon), and Ms. Malathi Priya M (Chief Conservator of Forests, Bengaluru) shared their valuable insights.
AWARDEES
The first award of the night, the “Award for Forest Protection,” was presented to Mr. Anupam Sharma, DFO of Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. Mr. Sharma was recognized for his outstanding efforts in dismantling a major timber smuggling operation in Sendhwa, where he seized 50 cubic meters of teak and arrested several key smugglers. Additionally, in Burhanpur, he played a crucial role in reclaiming 1,000 hectares of forest land. His use of night vision drones led to 30 arrests and 120 voluntary surrenders, significantly contributing to forest conservation efforts.
The second award of the evening, for “Wildlife Conservation,” was presented to Dr. P. Ramesh Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests in Karnataka, for his exemplary work in Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Dr. Kumar’s dedication to addressing critical wildlife issues was demonstrated through his swift and effective response to a man-eating tiger situation, which ensured public safety and highlighted his commitment to humane and effective wildlife management.
The next award, for “Wildlife Protection,” went to Ms. Pratibha Ahirwar, Deputy Director of Madhav National Park in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh. As a 2017 batch IFS officer, Ms. Ahirwar led a significant operation that uncovered a vast network of illegal wildlife trade spanning several states, showcasing her exceptional efforts in wildlife protection.
The award for “Best Use of Technology for Conservation” was given to Varun Jain, Deputy Director of Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR) in Gariyaband, Chhattisgarh. Another 2017 batch IFS officer, Jain was recognized for his innovative work on the “Chhattisgarh Elephant Tracking and Alert” system, which collaborates with elephant trackers and patrolling teams to monitor and protect elephant movements.
The fifth award, for “Community Connect,” was awarded to Mr. S. Jones Justin, Deputy Field Director of Sundarban Tiger Reserve in West Bengal. The 2018 batch IFS officer assisted the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation Ltd. (WBFDCL) in securing Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Sundarban Mouban Honey, which increased the honey’s value and improved the livelihoods of local people. Additionally, he has spearheaded several important initiatives in the Sundarbans, including the elimination of plastic use in the region and the introduction of the first-ever floating jetty to accommodate high tide conditions.
LIFETIME ACHEIVEMENT AWARD
The final and most prestigious award of the evening, “the Lifetime Achievement Award,” was presented to retired IFS officer Mr. Deepak Sarmah, a distinguished member of the 1977 batch from the Karnataka cadre. Mr. Sarmah has made profound and lasting contributions to forest conservation throughout his career. His efforts in curbing forest smuggling in the Western Ghats earned him the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award in 1980. As Deputy Conservator of Forests, his successful rehabilitation initiatives led his district to receive the Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra Award in 1989.
In addition to his significant work in various key roles, including those within the Government of India, Mr. Sarmah played a crucial role in shaping forest policy. Even after retirement, he has continued to contribute to the field through the authorship of numerous books and environmental reports. His lifelong dedication to forest protection and his ongoing contributions make him a truly deserving recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
UNION MINISTER SPEAKS
In his special address to the esteemed gathering, Union Forest Minister Mr. Bhupender Yadav lauded the IFS officers and frontline forest workers for their unwavering dedication. He also paid heartfelt tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of conservation.
“On this Forest Martyrs Day, I honor all the forest workers who have laid down their lives in service to our country’s forests and wildlife. This day is a tribute to those who gave everything in the line of duty, defending and nurturing our natural heritage,” he said.
Mr. Yadav went on to highlight India’s rich tradition of forest conservation. “Our nation has a deep-rooted history of protecting our forests, illustrated by historic movements such as the effort in Rajasthan to save the Khejri trees (Jand). As the importance of our forests grows, our dedicated frontline staff work tirelessly, often under difficult conditions, to safeguard wildlife. Their commitment is demonstrated through their patience, sensitivity, and bravery in preserving our natural resources.”
He concluded, “Forest officers, rangers, and all employees of the forest department see their work not merely as a job but as a mission to preserve and protect our wildlife. The best way to honor these forest workers, who have sacrificed their lives for this noble cause, is to continue enhancing our forests, protecting wildlife, and cherishing this invaluable gift of nature.”
RANDEEP HOODA’S POWERFUL MESSAGE
During the panel discussion at the award ceremony, our special guest and renowned actor Randeep Hooda addressed various environmental and conservation issues, shedding light on how the film industry is adapting to these challenges.
He shared, “I have been involved with several production houses that have made efforts to reduce waste, such as avoiding plastic bottles and using reusable alternatives. However, the management of these practices often falls short. We create a lot of waste, and I always try to ensure that production teams clean up thoroughly after a shoot. Ideally, humans should leave only footprints behind, but our impact can be quite messy and detrimental. For instance, if people refuse to drink water unless it’s from a sealed bottle, they often waste a significant amount of water and contribute to plastic waste. Currently, the film industry has not fully embraced effective waste management practices.”
Hooda continued, “Movies are primarily for entertainment, and while they engage and captivate audiences, they also present an opportunity to deliver important messages. The rise of social media, where people are more active than ever, can be a powerful tool for spreading awareness. As an actor, I leverage social media to promote conservation. For example, I share conservation photography from beautiful locations to highlight the rich biodiversity we possess. By engaging people with these images, we can inspire them to appreciate and protect our natural heritage. It’s crucial to convey the message of conserving our biodiversity and encouraging others to join in these efforts.”
