Interview Times 
In the context of World Wildlife Week, IIMC and Dhenkanal Forest Department have organized a photography exhibition at the local old district council hall. The exhibition showcased selected photos from the three-week-long photography competition and became a focal point of attraction, especially for students, nature lovers and the general public.
The photography competition was organized with the aim of creating awareness about the protection and conservation of nature and biodiversity through creative photography and the wildlife-human coexistence. Applications for the competition were open from 10th to 30th September, and selected photos from two categories were displayed in the exhibition. Dhenkanal District Magistrate Ashish Elohim Patil was the chief guest on the occasion, while Superintendent of Police Abhinav Sonkar was the guest of honor and encouraged everyone. DFO Sumit Kar said in his speech that Dhenkanal is blessed with biodiversity. He also announced that the DFO office will organize a nature walk for the public of Dhenkanal on every alternate Saturday (from 6 am to 8 am). He also announced that a book on the biodiversity of Dhenkanal is going to be published recently, and the public can send photos for it. IIMC Regional Director Professor Anand Pradhan spoke on nature conservation and its sustainability. He said that while IIMC has always been committed to protecting nature, the joint effort with Banakhand has made it more proactive.
Attractive cash prizes and prizes were awarded to the best contestants in the ‘Open Competition’ category during the exhibition session. Saloni Sahu, Pranjal Pratish and Hare Krishna won the first, second and third prizes respectively, while Andasuman Pradhan and Subhrakanta Pradhan won the Swaantwana Lippani award. The exhibition was attended by the public of Dhenkanal, officers and staff of the Forest Department, faculty and staff of IIMC, students and media personnel.
