Detailed Report on Commemoration of National Forest Martyrs Day

Date: 11 September 2026

Venue: Dolphin (PG) Institute of Biomedical & Natural Sciences, Manduwala, Dehradun & Forester Memorial, Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun

Introduction

The Department of Forestry (DoF), Dolphin (PG) Institute of Biomedical & Natural Sciences, Manduwala, Dehradun, commemorated National Forest Martyrs Day on 11 September to honour the forest officers, frontline forest personnel and other individuals who have sacrificed their lives in the protection and conservation of forests, wildlife and natural resources.National Forest Martyrs Day is observed annually on 11 September in recognition of the courage and sacrifice of forest personnel who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. The date is historically associated with the Khejarli sacrifice of 1730, when members of the Bishnoi community led by Amrita Devi Bishnoi sacrificed their lives while protecting Khejri trees. The Government of India has also established the Forester Memorial at Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, to commemorate forest personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice for forests and biodiversity.

The Department of Forestry organised the commemoration with the objective of sensitising students towards the importance of forest conservation, professional ethics and the courage and dedication required in the field of forestry.

Tribute to the Forest Martyrs

The programme commenced at the Department of Forestry with the participation of students and faculty members of the Department. As a mark of respect to the forest martyrs, all participants observed one minute of silence in remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives while protecting forests and wildlife. The moment of silence provided an opportunity for students to reflect upon the challenges faced by forest personnel in the field and the responsibilities associated with the forestry profession.The observance also highlighted that forest protection is not limited to routine management activities. Forest personnel often work under difficult conditions and may face risks associated with forest fires, wildlife, illegal felling, poaching, smuggling and other threats to forest ecosystems.

Lecture by Dr. Sandhya Goswami, Head, Department of Forestry

Following the tribute, Dr. Sandhya Goswami, Head, Department of Forestry, delivered an informative lecture on the significance and historical background of National Forest Martyrs Day.Dr. Goswami briefed the students about the origin of the day and explained the historical importance of the Khejarli sacrifice, in which members of the Bishnoi community gave their lives to protect Khejri trees. The discussion helped students understand that the tradition of forest and biodiversity conservation in India has deep historical and cultural roots.During her lecture, Dr. Goswami also discussed important case studies related to forest conservation and forest personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. These examples helped the students appreciate the risks associated with frontline forestry and the commitment required from forest officers and field staff.

One of the important examples discussed was that of P. Srinivas, IFS, who was killed by the gang of the notorious forest criminal Veerappan in 1991. His life and sacrifice represent the risks faced by forest officers while combating illegal activities and protecting forests and wildlife.Dr. Goswami further emphasized that National Forest Martyrs Day should not be regarded merely as a ceremonial occasion. Rather, it provides an opportunity to understand the professional responsibilities, ethical values and conservation commitments of future forestry professionals.

Visit to Vanpal Smarak (Forester Memorial), FRI, Dehradun

After the departmental programme, the students and faculty proceeded to the Vanpal Smarak (Forester Memorial), Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, to pay tribute to the forest martyrs.The visit provided the students with an opportunity to experience the commemoration at a significant memorial associated with India’s forestry community. The Forester Memorial at FRI was established to honour the forest personnel who have sacrificed their lives while protecting the country’s forests and biodiversity.

The students and faculty members of the Department of Forestry paid their respects at the memorial and remembered the sacrifices made by forest personnel in the service of nature and society.

Interaction with Dr. Vishwajeet Sharma, ICFRE, Dehradun

At the Forester Memorial, Dr. Vishwajeet interacted with the students and discussed the significance of National Forest Martyrs Day.

The interaction provided an important opportunity for students to understand the historical and contemporary dimensions of forest protection. Dr. Vishwajeet highlighted the importance of remembering the sacrifices of forest personnel and encouraged the students to develop a strong sense of responsibility towards forests, wildlife and biodiversity.

The interaction also helped students connect the historical sacrifices of forest conservation with their future role as forestry professionals and conservation practitioners.

Significance of the Programme

The commemoration was particularly relevant for students of Forestry as it connected classroom learning with the history, ethics and field realities of the forestry profession.

The programme highlighted several important messages:

1. Forest conservation requires dedication and courage.Forest personnel often work in challenging and hazardous conditions.
2. Forestry is a profession of service.The protection of forests and wildlife requires commitment towards both nature and society.
3. Community participation is central to conservation.The Khejarli sacrifice demonstrates the historical role of local communities in protecting natural resources.
4. Future foresters have an important responsibility.Forestry students are the future custodians and managers of India’s forest resources.
5. Forest martyrs should be remembered beyond ceremonial occasions.Their sacrifices should inspire responsible professional conduct and a stronger commitment towards conservation.

Educational Outcomes

The programme proved valuable from an academic as well as professional perspective. Students gained:

• Awareness about the history and significance of National Forest Martyrs Day.
• Knowledge of important cases involving forest personnel and conservation.
• Understanding of the risks and challenges associated with frontline forestry.
• Appreciation of the role of forest officers and field staff.
• Greater awareness of professional ethics and responsibilities.
• A stronger connection between forestry education and practical conservation.

The visit to the Forester Memorial further enhanced the learning experience by providing students with a direct connection to the institutional memory of forest conservation.

Conclusion

The Department of Forestry, Dolphin (PG) Institute of Biomedical & Natural Sciences, Manduwala, Dehradun, commemorated National Forest Martyrs Day with a meaningful combination of remembrance, academic discussion and field-based learning. The program was attended by 53 students and 5 faculty of the department namely, Dr A K Uniyal, Dr Sandhya Goswami, Dr Vikaspal Singh, Dr Manish Kumar & Dr Prabhakar Manori.

The programme began with a one-minute silence by the students and faculty in honour of the forest martyrs, followed by an informative lecture by Dr. Sandhya Goswami, Head, Department of Forestry, who discussed the historical background, significance and important case studies associated with the day. The programme was followed by a visit to the Vanpal Smarak (Forester Memorial), FRI, Dehradun, where students and faculty paid tribute to the forest martyrs and participated in an interaction with Dr. Vishwajeet.The programme successfully conveyed that the protection of forests and wildlife is not merely an institutional responsibility but a shared social and professional commitment. For students of Forestry, remembering the sacrifices of forest martyrs serves as an inspiration to uphold the values of integrity, courage, professional responsibility and dedication to conservation.

The Department of Forestry remains committed to providing students with opportunities that combine academic knowledge, field exposure and environmental stewardship, thereby preparing them to contribute meaningfully towards the sustainable management and conservation of India’s forests and natural resources.

“Remembering the sacrifice of forest martyrs inspires us to protect the forests they gave their lives to defend.”