A fantastic new resource has arrived for anyone passionate about Assam’s incredible birdlife. On Sunday, July 4, the platform Pokhhi (পক্ষী) was officially launched, a dedicated website celebrating and documenting the rich avian diversity of the state.
Pokhhi
Accessible for free at www.pokhhi.in, Pokhhi serves as a comprehensive digital repository for Assam’s birds. It currently covers 372 species with carefully curated information in both Assamese and English.
For each species, users can find:
- Common names in Assamese and English
- High-quality field photographs
- IUCN conservation status
- Detailed descriptions and identification guides
The platform aims to become one of the most reliable and complete sources for Assamese bird nomenclature, addressing a long-standing gap where local names were often scattered, inconsistent across regions, or difficult to find.
The Team Behind Pokhhi
The initiative is driven by Chirantanu Saikia from Jamugurihat, Sonitpur, and Abhilash Gayan from Gayan Gaon, Sivasagar. Chirantanu, an accomplished wildlife photographer and dedicated birder, brings years of field experience to the project. Currently pursuing a PhD in Physics at Tezpur University, he has frequently encountered challenges while trying to document accurate Assamese names during his expeditions.
In his own words (paraphrased), the team recognized the need for a single trusted platform amid varying local names across Assam and created Pokhhi to solve exactly that.
Why This Matters
Assam is home to an astonishing variety of birds, yet reliable resources combining scientific data with local knowledge have been limited. Pokhhi bridges this gap beautifully, making information accessible to:
- Educators and students
- Researchers and conservationists
- Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts
- The general public
By combining beautiful photography, accurate nomenclature, and conservation insights, the platform not only helps document Assam’s biodiversity but also promotes greater awareness and protection of these species.