India: Catholic School in Manipur celebrates wildlife week with essay and painting contest

St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School in the Churachandpur district of Manipur, in collaboration with the Churachandpur Forest Division, organized an Essay Writing and Painting Competition to mark Wildlife Week 2025.

The event, held under the theme “Human-Animal Co-existence,” aimed to inspire young minds on the importance of protecting wildlife and nurturing a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

The program opened with a short formal session anchored by Range Officer Lunkhomang Haokip, who outlined the objectives of the competition. Sister Lucia, Principal of St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, warmly welcomed the participants, encouraging them to share their thoughts creatively and responsibly.

In her keynote address, S.L. Niangthianhoi, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Churachandpur, emphasized the urgency of collective action for wildlife protection and sustainable coexistence. The session concluded with a vote of thanks from George Singson, Range Officer, Singngat, before the competitions began.

A total of 128 students from 13 schools across the district took part in the contests, presenting thought-provoking essays and colorful paintings that reflected both their talent and commitment to the cause.

This initiative also resonates with Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, which calls on the faithful to care for our common home. The Catholic Church in Manipur has been actively promoting environmental awareness through similar programs, engaging schools and local communities in the mission of ecological responsibility.