vimalkhawas@gmail.com

Vimal Khawas joined Sikkim University as Associate Fellow on 22nd August 2007 and dexterously assisted Prof. Lama to sow the initial seeds of the University. Led by Professor Lama, he was instrumental in the preparation of “Draft Reform Proposal Report” and “Structure of Undergraduate Courses: Guidelines for the Colleges”. He coordinated, with Dr. Tamang, Undergraduate Syllabus Review Meetings of 26 undergraduate subjects, edited & published them and subsequently floated them across the affiliated colleges of Sikkim University.

Before joining Sikkim University, Vimal Khawas was a member of Research Faculty at the Council for Social Development, New Delhi. He started his professional career in 2003 with a UNDP sponsored research project on Gender Budget Initiatives. Since then he has been associated with numerous professional research projects on various development dynamics of South Asia. His areas of interest and expertise include: Environmental Security, Human Development, Human Security, Gender, and Regional Development Planning.

He has been trained as geographer with specialisation in Agriculture at Post Graduate level from Centre for the Study of Regional Development, JNU. He is further professionally trained as development planner with specialisation in urban and regional planning and development from the School of Planning, Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Vimal Khawas recently submitted his PhD work entitled “Environmental Issues and Human Security in the Himalaya: A Comparative Study of Sikkim and Eastern Nepal” to the Political Geography Division, Center for International Politics, Organization and Disaster Management, School of International Studies, JNU, New Delhi.

He is member of Global Mountain Forum, Forum on Science and Innovation for Sustainable Development and Global Development Network and is a regular contributor to the international debates, discourses and e-conferences of mountain environment and development issues across the globe with particular emphasis on the Indian Himalaya.

He has published over 17 research papers/articles and over 40 general articles in reputed journals, edited volumes, professional magazines, web sites, and news dailies. Vimal was in the editorial committee of ‘Social Change’, a multidisciplinary peer reviewed journal published by Council for Social Development from New Delhi before he joined Sikkim University.

yakthungtb@yahoo.co.in

Til Bahadur Subba was born and brought up in the Himalayan state of Sikkim in1965. He is very much conscious about clean environment and Mountain Eco-system. He entered in the Forest Environment and Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim as Forest Block Officer in the year 1986 just before completing the graduation in the Science. In the year 2003, He was promoted to the post of a Range Forest Officer and is still working in this capacity.

He has so far visited almost all parts of the Sikkim Himalayas and has very good idea about high altitude topography and climate. He is very much interested in the wildlife as well s flora and fauna. He has worked with some notable environmental figures in the Himalayas like Dr. Trevor Price, Scientist, Chicago University, Dr. GS Rawat Scientist Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Dr. Ohba Scientist Tokyo University and Dr. John Singh Scientist Retired Director of Wildlife Insititute of India.

He has done Basic Mountaineering Course in Rathong Glacier from Himalayan Mountaineering Institute Darjeeling in the year 1992 and Advance Mountaineering Course at the same Glacier from the same Institute in the year 1997. He has climbed up to the altitude of 20,000 ft. He has also traversed some difficult ridges in the Sikkim Himalayas like Rakel Chu, Talung Glacier, and Green Lake, Dongkyela etc. He has not left any route untrekked in the high altitudes in Sikkim.

He is also very much interested in bird watching. His bird checklist has gone up to nearly 300 numbers. He is closely associated with some known environment clubs like Himalayan Nature and Adventure Foundation, Eco-Tourism Society of Sikkim ECOSS, The Mountain Institute TMI, Voluntary Health Association of Sikkim VHAS.

He has raised more than 500 hectare of plantation in the degraded forest areas in West Sikkim to mitigate the climate change and global warming. He is a forest Officer of his own kind.

He doesn’t need instruction to apprehend the peoples who committed offence relating to the loss of Environment. He has so far arrested 8 persons on charge of felling of trees and conversion of timber, put them in prison, charge sheeted in the court of law and subsequently all the 8 accused persons were convicted by the court as a result of which there was complete stop of illegal tree felling and timber conversion in the region. He also stopped the cattle grazing in the forest by strict law enforcement. In doing so, the green cover got improved and ultimately healthy environment has been maintained to mitigate the global warming.

Mr. Subba always works in closed association with the Students, local people, local Panchayats NGOs and concerned environmental agencies for the conservation of Forests and environment.

While he was Range officer of one of the Protected area in West Sikkim i,e; Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary from 2003-2008, he has done the following activities.

He organized environmental awareness campaign in many secondary and senior secondary schools in association with local NGOs. He took the selected students inside the protected areas to make them known about nature and environment and its significance in the human survival.

He also taught the students and the young generations the reason of climate change and global warming.

He has also conducted training for the unemployed young generations about the code of conduct and environmental norms for better environment for the human world.

During the course of training, he has taught the value of flora and fauna in the eco-system as well as how the increase of carbon level can damage our eco system and cause global warming.

He is also working as General Secretary of one the Tourism Development and Heritage Conservation Society in West Sikkim in which he is trying his level best to make the area organic and well garbage managed region. He is presently working with all the local Panchayats and villagers in this regards.

While he was Block Officer in the Kanchendzonga National Park, he work very hard for the environmental conservation for which he was well appreciated by one of the Area MLA.On the basis of his performance in the field of environmental protection, he has also received a letter of appreciation from the Department of Forest, Env & Wildlife management Government of Sikkim.

He has hold the Range Officer which is the key post in the Forest, Environment and Wildlife management Department for mass public dealing and motivation for the environmental awareness for the climate change and global warming and also can actively work as climate change leader.

Mr Subba is also a member of wecansolveit.org solving the problem of climate change and global warming joining hands globally. He is informed about the daily global events in this regards.

Markit Lepcha is a resident of a village in West District of Sikim called Gyatan karmatar, which is still quite remote. She passed her class XII and then took up a teaching job at St. Luther English Boarding School in 2002. She worked as a primary school teacher for five years in this school in South District of Sikkim.

At a young age itself market showed a keenness for environmental matters and being brought up in a rural environment close to forested hills she had gained good knowledge of plants and trees and their sustainable traditional use by villagers. During her teaching years she was exposed to environmental issues and the need to conserve natural assets of the areas surrounding village and towns. She actively participated in nature club activities.

In 2007 Markit decided to contest Panchyat Election and she was elected to the post of President of the Gram panchayat of her village Gyatan karmatar. As she was keen to develop her village on environmental lines, markit immediately started meeting officials of government departments and pursed the allotment of development projects to her ward. She is actively encouraging people to take up plantation of blank lands in and around villages to prevent soil erosion. She is trying to promote alternative livelihoods like bee keeping in her village and wishes to prevent the use of firewood. She is talking to the renewable Sources Department to install Solar Water Heater in her village. She has also tied up with the Agriculture Department to promote Organic farming in her village. As the President of her Panchyat she wishes to educate each and every child in Environment Conservation as she moving society towards Environment friendly lifestyles. Her Panchyat is one of the Panchayats selected for Nirmal Gram Puraskar Award 2008.

Markit hopes to meet and network with like- minded people in the climate change Leaders project. She hopes to learn from other CCLS about initiatives taken in other parts of the country to equip herself better for public service. She wants to set an example for other Panchayats on an eco- friendly village development model so that village work towards climate changes mitigation.

ntbhutia@gmail.com

Nima Tashi Bhutia comes from a yak-herder family in one of the remotest villages in western Sikkim. He got his initial education in a tribal run residential school and did his further schooling at Gangtok.

With all his interest to be associated with the mountain and mountain people, he got an opportunity to work with The Mountain Institute – India, Sikkim office (A organization dedicated for the mountain and its people) in 2004.

He has associated with many conservation and livelihood projects in Sikkim of The Mountain Institute-India jointly with WWF-India, UNDP, World Bank, SDC, ISPS, Mac Author, Wildlife Trust of India, Traffic India and various Government departments in Sikkim. He has worked as assistant in a research project titled “People’s opinion on Ban on grazing at Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary in West Sikkim” and “ A study on Alpine Ecology and Pastoralism in Khangchendzonga National Park in West Sikkim” (www.sikenvis.nic.in)

Nima Tashi Bhutia is also the reformer of Sindrabong Khangchendzonga Eco-friendly Society (SKES) in his village which was established in 1972 but reformed and registered with the Government of Sikkim in 2005. The SKES has since received three appreciation letters and awards at the state and national levels for its outstanding effort for nature and wildlife conservation. He is also the founder member of Yambong Ecotourism Committee (YEC), a community based ecotourism initiative in West Sikkim which gave an alternative livelihood support to yak herders. He has been instrumental in motivating yak herders of west Sikkim to voluntarily shift to sustainable livelihood from unsustainable yak herding.(www.yambong.com)

He was nominated as the member to represent SKES in the Sikkim State Biodiversity Board in 2006 for a 3 years term. (www.sikenvis.nic.in). In the year 2007 he was the only winner ofGrassroots initiatives for management and protection of Natural Resourcesin India Development Marketplace 2007 (IDM 2007) of the World Bank from Sikkim. Out of 2500 applicants 50 finalist were shortlisted and were called for final competition at New Delhi, he is among the one winner out of 20 winners from all over the country.www.worldbank.org.in

He was also nominated as the Project coordinator under the District collector, North and Lachen Dzumsa for a project titled “Endogenous Tourism Project” at Lachen in North Sikkim which was funded by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and UNDP.www.exploreruralindia.org,www.explorelachensikkim.com

He is presently working as a Programme coordinator with The Mountain Institute – India, North East Regional office at Sikkim

nom_ads@yahoo.com

Solomon Rai was born and brought up at Kalimpong town which is one of the most popular hill station in North Bengal. He started his education in Dr. Graham’s Homes at Kalimpong and then completed his graduation in Zoology from St. Joseph’s College Darjeeling.

He also completed his masters in Ecology and Environment from Sikkim Manipal University. He is quite interest in music and already in one music band called Nomads and produced some albums.

Presently he is working as Science graduate Teacher at Namchi Public school in South Sikkim. He is the programme in charge of National Service Scheme (NSS) as well as Eco-Club in charge of his school.

He is related with many environmental concerns like raising awareness of environment among school students. He is very much interested in involving in environment related organization to contribute some part of his life for the sake of future generation.

indrilaguha@hotmail.com

Ms. Indrila Guha is a Reader in Economics & Visiting Researcher In Global Change Program, Jadavpur University She has taught economics at the college under Calcutta University since March 1997. Her field of Interest includes Environmental Economics and Quantitative Techniques in Economics.

She was the Principal Investigator of the Project “Estimation of Tourism Demand in Indian Sundarbans and its contribution to local economy" which was sponsored by The South Asian Network for Development and Environmental Economics (SANDEE) and located in Global Change Program, Jadavpur University. The outcomes of this project included the selection of one paper out of this project by Oxford University Press for publication and the organization of the dissemination workshop in June which included stake-holders and civil society, local managers, policy makers and the sharing of findings.

She is also advisor to WWF – Eastern India on their Sundarbans Program. She was Case Study Team Leader in the `Developing an integrated framework for science policy interactions towards enhanced management of coastal systems in South Asia’ project of Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN).

Apart from this she is also a Member of Working Group for Ecological Economics and Sustainability Science, Society for Conservation Biology (SCB), USA, INSEE(Indian Society for Ecological Economics) and ISEE (International Society for Ecological Economics)as well as a member of Bangiya Arthaniti Parishad.

kallo19@yahoo.com

Kallol Roy completed his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Kolkata and then qualified as a lawyer from the same university. His specialized area is Estate Law. He has established a successful practice in Barrackpore sub-division, West Bengal and well known for his negotiations skills.

However his love for environment and desire to serve marginalized population goes way back in time. During his high school and college days he was involved in anti fundamentalist and anti superstition movements in West Bengal. As a part of the local science club, he has traveled around the state and aware people about science and its benefits. As part of this movement he published a magazine that upheld the idea. An avid mountaineer and trekking fanatic, he visited many parts of the Himalayas and on the way distributed the message of peace and climate change and how to reduce the environmental harms.

During the period of his focused work with various marginalized groups and environmental issues Kallol Roy realized that a structured plan is needed to tackle the issues related to climate change. As a part of this plan with few other like minded people from the local area he formed and registered the charity organization `EMPATHY (Elevation of Marginalized People and generating Awareness Towards Hopeful Yearning)’ on 2004. Initially, EMPATHY was established as a social welfare organization. The goal was to reach those socially marginalized people who have less or no access to health or educational support as well as all inclusive as the current environmental condition is rapidly changing due to various factors.

He understood that to create a sustainable environment for the present and future generations, awareness building programmes regarding climate change are needed. Also intervention strategies are necessary that could be easily implemented and could be extended by direct involvement of the community. The ethos of the organization as led by Kallol Roy is to move forward responsibly and in this process advancement of the community would be accelerated by EMPATHY’s programme deliveries.

He started community sensitization programmes on environment and climate change issues and villages in 2 Panchayates and 2 municipal areas were targeted and started the awareness building programmes. The communities were approached by various means and communication with various levels of Central, State and Local Govt.; local Primary, Secondary, Higher Secondary schools and colleges been made. To further his commitment regarding the issue of climate change, he successfully implemented a West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) funded programme which directly reached numerous govt ad non-govt. bodies and local educational institutions and direct or indirect communication was established with more than 1 lakh people. This programme, led by Kallol Roy was absolutely successful and the organisation was shortlisted for an Excellence Award that was organised jointly by WBPCB & Indian Chamber of Commerce. He is a front runner in the region for his activism and commitment to the issues related to environment, education and health.

sumanrai@gmail.com

Suman K. Rai at present heads the Eastern Himalaya Office for Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE). ATREE is a leading NGO in India which is working in the area of biodiversity. It is recognised by the Government of India as a Centre of Excellence in Conservation Science. Suman is also the Country Coordinator for the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF). CEPF is a project which is supporting civil society organisations across the world to work in the area of conservation. Prior to this Suman worked with the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and was based in Nepal while his work spanned across six countries of the Hindu Kush Himalayas. Suman has nearly 20 years of experience working with international and national NGOs which include The Netherlands Development Organisation, Department for International Development, and the United Nations. Besides, he has worked as a consultant with the Ministry of Human Resource, India, the Swiss Development Cooperation, Panos South Asia, and ActionAid Nepal. His interests span from understanding civil society organisations, incorporating and mainstreaming rights of marginalised sections of society, community development, and community based adaptation to conservation of natural resources. Suman at present lives and works from Darjeeling.

imongro@gmail.com

Hailing from Longkhum Yim in Nagaland and presently based in Kohima, Imrongkumla is working as Programme Assistant for NEPED/SCEN Programme (Nagaland Empowerment of People through Economic Development/ Strengthening of Community Conservation Efforts in Nagaland) for last one year. Currently the programme is in its’ first phase covering 5 districts of the state. The work provides ample opportunity to interact with village communities while on field trips for Resource mapping, freelisting indigenous ecological knowledge and GPS. Such experiences have enhanced Imrong’s zeal to work for the community and crusade further the mission of their conservation.

Before joining NEPED Ms Imrongkumla worked as Junior Executive for Changki Organic Biotech Park, Tzürang Valley, Mokokchung Distt. Nagaland for a year. In this assignment, Ms Imongkumla mainly took charge of the Organic Certification and documentation of 40 contract farmers.

After Post graduation – M.Sc (General Microbiology) – from Bangalore University (2001- 2003) Karnataka., Imrongkumla worked as Microbiologist cum Quality Analyst for Bon Apetit, a water packaging company based in South Bangalore for two years.

angokonyak_77@yahoo.co.in

Ango Konyak originally hails from Ngangching Village of Mon District, the eastern most frontier of the country. After completing his schooling from St. John’s Shillong, Meghalaya, he went on to study BSc Botany from Guwahati. In the year 1999 Ango Konyak joined the State Forest Service and subsequently underwent 2 years of intensive training at NEFRC Jalukbari, Guwahati. Though one of the youngest, seeing his commitment and zeal he was appointed as an Instructor in the prominent State Forestry Training Institute at Dimapur.

He was then posted to Mon and it was then that he came to fully comprehend the immense challenge ahead. He realized that the old traditional methods and customs of farming which were still greatly followed in the villages were now not very viable and were costing the natural environment greatly. He recognized that there was an urgency to educate the people at the grass root level on conservation and social responsibility. He initiated several awareness programmes at the village level to educate the farmers on tree plantations, and successfully created plantation sites in 7 villages. He also associated himself with Agri and allied Departments of the district and was actively involved in encouraging supplementary source of income generation for farmers. It was during his posting in Mon that he first came in contact with NEPED, to facilitate the visit of the Team Leader. He was also asked to facilitate the field visit of Dr. Naithani, bamboo specialist, by NEPED.

After three years in Mon, he was called back to the Headquarter in Kohima, where he was involved in awareness programmes for educating school children and college students on environment and conservation of biodiversity. Very shortly he was invited to join NEPED as a member.

He joined NEPED in 2006 as a POU member and took charge of Mon District. With his past experience and with NEPEDs valuable resource and knowledge in Jhum, he recommenced the conservation efforts in Mon but now with a focus on sustainability of jhum. With the initiative of NEPED he is also encouraging and assisting several villages in documenting biodiversity for future reference and study. He is also engaged in creating awareness on community conservation of forests and natural resources. His efforts became tangible with the joint community reserves created by 4 villages, which will soon become a joint reserve of eight villages. A major accomplishment for a district where Village owned forests are often exploited for logging, coal mining and hunting.

With the evident results seen in such a short time Ango strongly advocates that conservation efforts should begin at the grass root level and that it begins with educating our farmers.

honnyfur_36@rediffmail.com

C Furkumzuk is a Junior Research Fellow in the Department of Geography and Resource Management in Nagaland University, Head-quartered at Lumami, Nagaland. His Academic interest revolves around Environment, Sustainable Development and Watershed Studies. He worked for a year as Junior Research Fellow under a R & D Project of G.P. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, Kosi – Katarmal, Almora, India. Presently he is pursuing for Ph. D. Degree from the Department of Geography and Resource Management, Nagaland University under Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship.

Fur received a Bachelor of Science from Nagaland University of Nagaland. He continued the study and received a Master of Science in Geography and Resource Management, in 2002 from the same University.

He has also obtained training from National Remote Sensing Agency, Department of Space, Government of India, Hyderabad on “Remote Sensing & GIS- Technology and Applications”.

C FURKUMZUK is actively involved in Church, Students’ and other community activities, initiating and taking part in environmental awareness campaigns. He also devotes his spare time to adventure, social work and other community based programmes.

He was born in Longkhum, Mokokchung on 16th of July 1978.

keso_chakesang@gmail.com

Mr. Chakesang hails from Pfutsero village under Phek District, Nagaland but was born and brought up in Dimapur. He did my schooling from Christian Higher Secondary School and passed out in 1998. He has an Arts Degree in Economics from Salt Christian College Dimapur. Halfway through his Degree Course, He underwent a short-term training in videography from IMCS, New Delhi.

Following this, he started to work on a local TV news bulletin from Nov. 2004 to Feb. 2006 after which, he completed my graduation. He has been in constant contact with the local Print Media (The Dominant in Nagaland) as a consequence of working as Press Secretary to a Politician from Nagaland.

He is now self-employed in the audio/visual media and is presently working on a documentary for Nagaland Empowerment of People through Energy Development. It is through this endeavor that a latent urge in him to do something for nature, found an outlet and opportunity by being part of the CCL programme. He would also love to help by doing something for poverty reduction.

He loves his work in the audio/visual sector, music and good food (not bitter food though).

ren_nuh@yahoo.com

Renilo Nuh was born in the autumn of 1977, September 23.He has a company of 3 sisters and 2 brothers. He got married to Meniele last March, she is currently pursuing research in GIS based Landslides Study. He is from a village known as ‘Thetsumi’ in Phek District however brought up from a small town called Pfutsero. He did his schooling from Chakhesang Mission High School, Pfutsero, Nagaland thereafter joined Kohima Science College, Jotsoma in 1994.

After two years stint in Pre-University (Science), he got an opportunity to further my career towards Civil Engineering, graduated in Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) from Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, Ernakulam District, Kerala in 2000.

Despite getting an opportunity to work abroad (Sri Lanka), he returned back to Nagaland with a zeal to work and apply the knowledge gained in my native land. He switched his job several times not finding the right platform to actually embark upon the place matching with hisbackground.

He had a worked as a Computer Programmer, NIC, Nagaland State Unit then to Site Engineer, CPWD, KCSD-He then moved onto Junior Engineer, Power Deptt on contract then again switched to Junior Engineer, Traffic Engineering Cell, PWD (R&B) and finally embarked upon SDO, Power Deptt. GoN. During last one year he had been supervising and executing a 1000kW Lang Mini Hydel Project during which he got an assignment to work with the Nagaland Empowerment of People through Energy Development (NEPeD).

His visions broadened by way of working with the grassroots while in NEPeD with a program to empower the communities through energy development and controlled usage of Natural Resources Management towards a sustainable livelihood converging to a total environmental governance and here he is now as Climate Change Leader looking forward to share thoughts and visions working side by side with like minded people such as you expecting to make a change for the next generations to come.

Hobbies include playing football, table tennis, chess, and computer games and so on so forth. He likes music such as soft rock, classical, gospel, blues and country songs. He also likes writing and he is looking forward to author a book (a Herculean Task eh!!).

pikato.jimo@gmail.com

Pikato V Jimo belongs to the sumi tribe of Nagaland. He did his schooling from Kiddies Corner, Shillong and his Pre-University (Science) from Kohima Science College, Jotsoma. He then moved on to the School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development, Medziphema for pursuing B.Sc (Agri) and completing his M.Sc. (Agronomy) in 2000.

He joined the Agriculture Deptt. of the State Government supervising the Potato Research Farm, Helipong in 2000, thereafter which he joined the Land Resources Development Department as Member of Watershed Development Team (WDT) in the Integrated Watershed Development Program (IWDP) from 2001-02. He then finally embarked upon Agriculture Department and is now presently assigned to the Nagaland Empowerment of People through Economic Development (NEPED) as Member, Project Operations Unit (POU).

While in NEPED, he had been managing and acting as facilitator for effective watershed development project in the strengthening of communities for sustainable development encompassing rural sector of the state. He had been traveling extensively to various pockets of the state strengthening community conservation efforts in biodiversity by the communities that revolves mostly around jhum.

He likes listening to all kinds of music. He also enjoys outdoor games and sports activities. His interest also includes traveling and exploring new places. His endeavor of joining climate change is to create awareness within the communities and also to acquaint and capacitate himself through this leadership program.

takum.chang@gmail.com

Mr. Chang is from the CHANG NAGA tribe, a tribe in Eastern part of Nagaland bordering Myanmar. He did my graduation on Bio-Anthropology from Kohima Science College and post graduation on Anthropology from NEHU, Shillong. After his post graduation, he went back to his native place and began his involvement in Students’ organization as the President of Chang Students Union which gave him an opportunity to visit all Chang villages (53 villages) and he was able to get the first hand information on the status of education and livelihood.

His native place Tuensang was the only place which has not been administered by the British Empire. Tuensang and Mon are still categorized as the most undeveloped areas in Nagaland. When Nagaland got its statehood, Tuensang had been placed under direct administration of the Governor for 10 years until when the people of that area could able to shoulder their own administrative responsibility. Witnessing the villagers of Tuensang who are struggling for food sufficiency and very poor educational progress, he committed to give my share of contribution in improving their livelihood and related issues.

He then joined Nagaland Empowerment of People through Energy Development (NEPeD) which is on its mission to integrate environmental governance and energy dimensions into sustainable livelihood strategies. NEPeD has decade old experience in addressing environment and sustainable livelihood in Nagaland. He has been given the charge of Tuensang and Kiphere districts which are on the most eastern part of Nagaland bordering Myanmar and most undeveloped areas. NEPeD, having established its strong credibility working in all villages of Nagaland, has been providing me a right avenue to work with most unprivileged rural poor.

Most importantly, he believes that being in CCL will help him get all the required tool to fill the gaps that exist in development and environmental concerns and it will also enable me to be in the global band wagon addressing climate change issues

ellamary_p@yahoo.com

Ella Mary is one of the founding members of `YARD’ (Youth action for Rural Development) an NGO based in Kohima Nagaland. The organization is basically focused on issues of health, socio-cultural, economic and education within and outside the state. It addresses these issues through technical support (training, management, research and documentation) to implementing partners like NGOs, community and departments.

YARD enrolls educated youth through its Human Resource Bank for involvement in projects, trainings and as volunteers. Ella has completed her Masters in Human Resource and Organizational Development from Delhi University. She has graduated in History Honour from Miranda House, Delhi University.

After her Masters, she joined an NGO in Nagaland as Programme Officer and was actively involved in management and planning for projects on health, social and development. During her 5 years of working in the NGO sector, she has worked for projects on Prevention of HIV and AIDS amongst Injecting Drug Users and sex workers in Nagaland supported by OXFAM, Project ORCHID (EHA – Emmanuel Hospitals Association – Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation) and Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS).

The prevention programs also involved working with Street Children, Drop-out young people and Adolescence through education and information. Responsibilities also included mentoring and training service providers and community as resource person on topics involving – Gender sensitive communication and Counseling, Project Management, Role of Project Managers and Outreach workers, Effective Communication Skills, Youth and Conflict.

In the development area, experiences include working with projects on Sustainable Economic Livelihood through Land Management, Community Watershed Management, Mobilizing rural women for a sustainable livelihood and creating marketing linkages in the local market as well as with other states.

Besides intervention initiatives, she worked as a consultant to coordinate 11 districts of Nagaland for Assessment on Elementary Education (SSA), Department of Education, Government of Nagaland, Monitoring and Evaluation of NGO in Nagaland (NACO-NSACS), District Support Team for Project Management and Trainer for NGO and community. Ella and a colleague from YARD were nominated by Administrative Training Institute (ATI) for TOT on Disaster Management at NIDM, New Delhi.

Environment and its importance became curiously interesting with the opportunity to work with the Director-The Missing Link, while documenting the process of Consultation of State Bio Diversity Act at ATI, Kohima. And here now as a LEADer with Climate Change!

anjanphukan@oilindia.in

Sri Anjan Jyoti Phukan joined OIL INDIA LIMITED as a drilling engineer in the year 1988 after completing B.E in Mechanical Engineering in 1987 from Assam Engineering College Guwahati and is currently the Deputy Chief Engineer (Drilling). From his childhood days he was very much interested in sports like football cricket and tennis. During his student days he never had the thrust for the leadership quality but after joining as drilling engineer in OIL he had to acquire it as the job demands the quality. Now as In charge of a rig he fully understands the requirement of a leader. In last few years Phukan also have developed the hobby of writing articles. Several articles have already been published in our in-house magazine “OIL NEWS”. One article on “Energy Conservation in Drilling Rig” has also published in a national magazine of PCRA (Petroleum Conservation Research Association). Mr Phukan also has attended a course on ‘Leadership Program’ at Guwahati conducted by in-house “Breakthrough Performance coach”. Though he was the junior most member of that batch of total 15 participants from various spheres of our organization, he was unanimously selected as the Group Leader/Conscience keeper of the batch to convene the meeting to share thoughts and experiences in future after completion of the program. He likes to listen to soft music alone during his leisure time.

Drilling for oil is a business which involves handling of lots of chemicals of which many are hazardous in nature and besides the effluents resulting from drilling, if not handled carefully are harmful for the ecology as well as to the animals including human beings. With stringent statutory laws imposed by the state as well as central pollution control board OIL along with other upstream/downstream oil companies are taking this environmental issue seriously during last five years. Presently Anjan Jyoti Phukan is working as in-charge of a drilling rig where a huge responsibility is bestowed upon him to maintain clean environment at the drilling site. As installation manager he is solely answerable to the statutory bodies for any violation of environmental regulation at the drill site. He has taken a revolutionary step in reducing the burning of fuel (using only one power pack in place of two which reduced burning of fuel by 2500 liters per well) and thereby achieving a relatively pollution free environment in the well site for the first time in OIL’s drilling history.

sanglap@oilindia.in

Mr Nahardeka was born in Shillong and his native place is Naharkatia, Assam. He did his 10+ from Model School, Namrup and his 12+ from Cotton College, Guwahati. He then did his B.E (Mech) from Assam Engineering College, Guwahati.

He was involved in the ‘Save Deepor Beel’ project at AEC, Guwahati.

He joined Oil India Limited, Duliajan as Drilling Engineer in 1994. Presently he is working as Manager, Public Relations, OIL.

He is also a one time badminton and cricket player.

Not an active member, but he follows up the activities of the NGO, Nature’s Beckon in its efforts to save the rainforests of Upper Dihing, Jeypore and Dirok in Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border.

He also follows the efforts of the Bombay Natural History Society in conservation and breeding of vultures and nest monitoring in Assam.

He was a member of the British Gas Energy Challenge, 2008 at Pune where it was vividly explained about the carbon effects on the environment and the urgent steps needed for countering and the positives of a green world.

As a PR professional he is involved in all the developmental initiatives in education, health, infrastructure etc taken up by my organization. He is involved in tree plantation and other environmental projects of the company, and also in the ‘Project Majuli’ of OIL for conservation of the Vaishnavite culture and traditions and preservation of the Satras in the riverine island of Majuli.

As he works in an industry which is considered the worst pollutants and the main cause of environmental degradation, he feels he can make little efforts for the preservation of the environment with the help and guidance of LEAD.

The knowledge of the culture and traditions of the various communities and the familiarity of the areas in Upper Assam and networking courtesy my bread provider, OIL can always be utilized.

evenyllalyngdoh@yahoo.com

Ms. Evanylla Khar Lyngdoh belongs from Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya. At present she is persuing her Ph.D degree in Botany Department, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya, under the guidance of Prof. S.K. Barik, one of the LEAD Fellow. Her research interest includes the distribution, mapping, growth, habitat specificity, and biomass and nutrient concentrations of few bamboo species in Meghalaya. Prior to her research work, she has worked in the Community Forest Management Working Group (CFMWG) Secretariat, North-East India funded by the Community Forestry International Inc, USA, as Research Assistant. Her work involved documentation of Community Forest Management practices in the seven north-eastern states of India viz, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. She has also worked as a Research Assistant in the Regional Centre, National Afforestation & Eco-Development Board, North-Eastern Hill University on management, harvesting, processing and marketing of the produce of the NTFP components (Bamboo, cane, mixed and perennial herbs and shrubs plantations) of the FDA projects in the NAP scheme. Evanylla Khar Lyngdoh holds a Master’s degree in Botany from North Eastern Hill University and a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Mary’s College, Shillong, Meghalaya.

ratul-nehu@yahoo.co.in

Ratul Baishya is a Research Scholar in the Centre for Advanced studies in Botany, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong. He is presently working for his Ph.D thesis on the title" Carbon sequestration in the humid tropical and sub-tropical forests of Meghalaya" Under the supervision of Prof. Saroj Kanta Barik. His Ph.D thesis pertains to the Carbon sequestration potential by different landscape elements of the state. His thesis shall help understand the role of different landscape elements in Carbon sequestration and to develop mitigation strategy for the region.

He is particularly interested in environmental issues and livelihood affected due to Global Climate Change.

He has completed his Masters in Botany from North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong. He has graduated in Botany Honours from St. Edmund’s college, Shillong.

After his Masters in 2004, he joined Ph.D programme in 2005. He took part in the workshop titled" Forest, Livelihood and Wildlife" conducted by Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi in 2006.

Qualification: M.Sc (Botany), NET-SRF

North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong (2002- 2004)

Permanent Address: Nongpoh, Meghalaya

Present Address: NEHU-Shillong, Meghalaya

Post graduate student of Commerce under the Mizoram University, Angela currently works as a teacher in Saihnuni Sailo Memorial School. She’s also doing her studies in the faculty of Law at Aizawl Law College.

During her college days, she had participated in training under Indian Entrepreneurship Programme and she had worked on the promotion of tourism in Mizoram – its impact on the economy, standard of living and the environment.

m_dpi@yahoo.co.in

Dampuii hailed from the famous village of Biate in eastern Mizoram. She worked as a Project Manager under the HIV/AIDS project, targeting commercial sex workers and studying their habits, health aspects and acceptance in the society.

She also had three years of teaching experience in the college. She’s currently engaged as a lecturer in Government Saiha College. Dampuii holds a master degree in sociology from the Mizoram University and is a keen activist in the field of environment and development.

chuanga@gmail.com

Besides being a lensman at the Doordarshan Kendra, Aizawl, Chuanga takes part in production of a variety of documentary films relating to environment, social and developmental issues, health and education. He takes part in various youth and adventure activities and is presently a leader of the local adventure club, as well as the Organising Secretary of the Youth Hostel Association of India, Mizoram State Branch. He closely followed the process of Bamboo Flowering in the state and studied the after-effects of the event and had covered the entire episode with his camera. He is also actively involved with the activities of the Department of Environment & Forest, Mizoram Pollution Control Board and Science & Technology Department of the state Government. He is keen to impart awareness to the masses on climate change and global warming through his lenses.

dr-rinawma@lycos.com

Dr. C. Rinawma is a Veterinarian with a post graduate degree from The University of Queensland. After graduating he was employed as a Veterinary Consultant under World Vision at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

He was a member of the Task Force in combating MAUTAM (a 50 year cycle of bamboo flowering in Mizoram) where he conducted seminars and gave presentations on how to combat the upsurge of rodents due to such phenomena.

He was latter posted at Zokhawthar under the Dept. of AH & Vety, Govt. of Mizoram where he took an active role in providing public awareness on Bird Flu. He is presently working as a Subject Matter Specialist under Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lengpui, Mamit District, Mizoram.

cep_earth@yahoo.com

He has found CEP in 1998 and is a post graduate degree holder in environmental science. Currently, he is member of various Government constituted bodies such as

1. State Board for Wildlife, Mizoram,
2. Mizoram Pollution Control Board,
3. State Level Eco-Club Steering Committee,
4. State Level Committee on Green Mizoram,
5. Sub-Committee on Green Mizoram, and
6. Rural Programme Advisory Committee of All India Radio, Aizawl.

He has accomplished many projects including research project and also published a book entitled "Mizoram and its wildlife"- a checklist of flora and fauna of Mizoram including ichthyo-fauna and insecta.

Mr. Nakek Moyong is from Mirem Village of East Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh. He is a farmer and a Panchayat leader. Currently, he is a Zilla Parishad Member. Prior to his current assignment, he was elected as Anchal Samiti member.

Mr. Nakek Moyong is also a Resource Person for Panchayat training programme of the State Institute for Rural Development (SIRD) and Future Generations Arunachal (FGA), one of the oldest NGOs of Arunachal Pradesh for Panchayat training programmes in Arunachal Pradesh. He has also spearheaded many development and environmental initiatives in his villages such as making Mirem village polythene free village.

Mr. Moyong has attended many training programmes and workshops on different themes all over the country.

Mr. Nakek Moyong is a graduate from Jawahar Lal Nehru College, Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh.

rajivtakuk@yahoo.com

Mr. Rajiv Takuk is from Arunachal Pradesh Civil Services. Currently, he is posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner at Pasighat, East Siang district Arunachal Pradesh.

Prior to his current assignment, he was the Project Director in the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), looking after many rural development schemes of the State and Central government. He has a first hand experience of implementation of grassroots development work and interaction with the people.

Mr. Rajiv Takuk is also a respected oral historian of Adi genealogy, tradition and culture. He has been a student leader right from his early days. He was General Secretary of his school and college. He is an active member of many sports and cultural bodies of the district.

He did his graduation from Jawahar Lal Nehru College, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh.

Mr. Hibu Tatu hails from Siro Village of Ziro area in Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh. He is from Apatani tribe that practices one of the best traditional sustainable agriculture and forest conservations in the world.

Mr. Hibu Tatu is a teacher by profession. He teaches in the government school in Siro village. Beside, his regular job Mr. Hibu Tatu has been involved with development and social work for many years. He has been a member, trainer, resource person and coordinator of Future Generations Arunachal, a local NGO (with affiliation to Future Generations, USA) for over a decade.

Mr. Tatu is also a green teacher. He has undergone training conducted by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). After his training Mr. Tatu has organize environment protection awareness activities in Ziro and elsewhere.

Mr. Hibu Tatu has been to many trainings, seminars and workshop outside Arunachal Pradesh. He has visited many parts of the country and interacted with people from different countries.

Mr. Hibu Tatu holds a BA degree.

egulpadung@yahoo.co.in

Mr. Egul Padung hails from Pasighat, East Siang, Arunachal Pradesh. He is an educationist and social worker. He has established the first private college in East Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh. He is the Director of the Doying Gumin College.

Mr. Padung also runs a hospital for the urban poor in association with the government of Arunachal Pradesh under the National Rural Health Mission.

Mr. Egul Padung has also taken up many initiatives for preservation and revival of the culture and tradition of the Adis. He is a keen environmentalist as well. He is member of many social organizations and district development agencies of the government.

Mr. Egul Padung, did his early education in Vivekendra Vidyalayas and graduated from Jawahar Lal Nehru College, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh. He did his doctorate from Rajiv Gandhi Unviversity, Doimuk , Arunachal Pradesh.

senorita701@yahoo.com

Ms. Senorita Teetu Yoka is from Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, She works with women’s group in income generation and healthcare activities. She is the Chief Functionary of ASHA, a local NGO from Itanagar.

Ms. Yoka has facilitated in formation of many Self Help Groups (SHG) in Arunachal Pradesh. From her based in Itanagar she mobilized the rural women and helps them in securing government loan and schemes. She also facilitates interaction between SHGs and banks and other financial institutions such as NABAARD.

Ms. Yoka also advocates women’s right. She work closely with state government agencies in implementation of women and child related development programmes.

Ms. Senorita Teetu Yoka did her NGO management from Gujarat. After her graduation, she worked in Godhra in Gujarat for about a year. She has a good experience of working in a multicultural and challenging environment.